Result : TATLISU SERACILAR SK 1 KUMYALI SK 1

Saturday 24^th June : BTM League Group 1 : Venue : Tatlısu Rauf Raıf Denktaş Stadium.

By Richard Beale………..

The meeting of League leaders Kumyalı and second place Tatlısu predictably ended in a draw, which suited Kumyalı who continue to lead the table by 2 points. With the last round of matches to be played next week, the advantage remains with Kumyalı.

Tatlısu needed to win this match, they took a first half lead but gave away a sloppy goal just before the interval and were unable to breach the leaders defence again in the second half.A large crowd filled the only stand on a hot sunny afternoon with the visitors bringing with them decent support.

Tatlısu almost opened the scoring in the first minute when a cross from the right found Hakan who got in a header which saw the Kumyalı keeper Edim dive and push the ball behind for a corner. From the corner a shot came in from outside the area which clipped the Kumyalı cross bar.

Tatlısu deservedly took the lead in the 26^th minute when Hakan on the left got in a shot which was parried by keeper Edim straight into the path of Tatlısu’s leading goalscorer IBRAHIM ÇELIK who had the simple task to prod the ball over the line.1-0

Tatlısu were much the better team with midfielders Kubılay and Turgay battling away in midfield.Out of the blue a minute before the break Tatlısu gave away a silly goal. From a Emre free kick Tatlısu keeper Hasan made a “pigs ear” of catching the tame kick, the ball squirmed out of his grasp hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play. An almighty goalmouth scramble resulted in Tatlısu giving away a penalty which was converted by UGUR. Half -Time 1-1.

Tatlısu came close to scoring early in the second half following a Tansu free kick, which just went past the post, with both Ibrahim and keeper Edim trying to get to the ball.

73 minutes Tatlısu had a good shout for a penalty turned down, when Ibrahim did well to create room for himself and put in a shot which keeper Edim palmed away . The ball came to Kubılay who appeared to have his legs taken away from him, just when he was preparing to shoot, but the referee waved aside Tatlısu appeals for a penalty.

In the final 10 minutes the game really opened up with Kumyalı having 2 goals disallowed for offside . In between that Tatlısu played out the final 5 minutes with 10 men when striker Ibrahim completely lost his head, climbing over the fence to confront someone who was shouting abuse at him and sadly letting his teammates down and getting himself sent off. Full Time: 1-1

SUMMING UP : Tatlısu only have themselves to blame in a match they needed to win, they were strangely reluctant to push players forward to support Ibrahim. The Tatlısu striker had often 3 defenders around him and was quickly closed down. Tatlısu defence were tight and gave little opportunity to the Kumyalı forwards. The midfield powerhouses Kubılay and Turgay were outstanding despite the heat. Both players would make useful acquisitions to higher League teams. (ie Esentepe)

TATLISU TEAM : Hasan (gk) : Tansu, Mustafa, Barış, Koray (Özal 65) : Ümit, KUBILAY, Turgay, Talha (Serkan 60) : Hakan (Soner 80), Ibrahim :

Man of the Match : Tatlisu’s Kubilay– was everywhere trying to prompt his teammates.

BTM GROUP 3 TABLE (top 3).

1/ Kumyalı 20 points + 3 goal advantage.

2/ Tatlısu 18 points + 8 goal advantage,

3/ Karadeniz 17 points +13 goal advantage.

With one match to play Kumyalı are at home to lowly Yeni Erenköy/ Yesilköy all they need to do is avoid defeat.

Tatlısu must win away to Yedikonuk and hope Kumyalı lose to have any chance of reaching the “play offs”.

Karadeniz will finish on 20 points, as their final match against Ergazı will be awarded 3-0 too Karadeniz as Ergazi have withdrawn from the League. So again Karadeniz will be hoping for a Kumyalı slip up in their last match.

OTHER FEATURED RESULTS IN BTM LEAGUE :

Group 3 : BAHÇELI 3 GÖNENDERE ŞHT SALIH KULLE SK 1

The bottom of the table clash ended in a comfortable Bahçeli win and they are now 4^th in their group. Bahceli scorers : Emrah (20), Cemre (67), Soner (74) with Ridvan (89) netting for the visitors.

Group 5 : KARAOĞLANOĞLU 0 DAĞYOLU-SIRINVELER SK 5

The then League leaders Karaoğlanoğlu messed it up for themselves in this hammering dished out by Dağyolu. There are now 3 teams on 16 points with one match lef to play.

BTM GROUP 5 TABLE. (top 3)

1/ Yilmanköy 16 points + 14 goal advantage.

2/ Dağyolu- Sir 16 points + 6 goal advantage.

3/ Karaoğlan’lu 16 points + 5 goal advantage.

Next Sunday Dağyolu-Sirinveler clash with Yilmanköy in the “ match of the day’while Karaoğlanoğlu are away to lowly Ağırdağ . So it this group there is all to play for as the football season continues to go on in the searing heat.

SUPPORT LOCAL FOOTBALL.

By Richard Beale……………

We may have not received the heatwave that the UK is suffering now, but our temperatures are slowly rising and Local Football is still being played!. The amateur BTM League continues and will continue into July, when at last it reaches its finale. Then in August the semi-professionals return to training and football begins again.

I have picked out 3 matches from the BTM League which are quite close to Expat populations, if anybody is missing their football and would like to see the Locals going at it hammer and tongs against each other, come along for the experience.

All matches will be played this Saturday 24^th June and all kick offs are at 5.30pm.

BTM Group 1 : TATLISU SERACILAR SK v KUMYALI SK.

Venue : Tatlısu Rauf Raıf Denktaş Stadium (the Stadium on the roundabout at Tatlısu on the main road)

This is the “match of the day” when League Leaders Kumyalı visit 2^nd place Tatlısu, in a match that both teams cannot afford to lose. After this match there is only one round of matches to be played, Kumyalı are on 19 points and Tatlisu on 17 points. Tatlısu must win this match, if they do not they will miss out on the “play offs”. Earlier in the season both teams fought out a tense 0-0 draw. I expect another tight encounter, a draw will suit Kumyalı, but I think urged on by their partizan fans Tatlısu can produce a win. Expect fireworks and a great atmosphere.

BTM Group 3 : BAHÇELI SK v GÖNENDERE ŞHT SALIH KULLE SK.

Venue : Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium.

A local “derby” between the bottom 2 clubs, so they are both playing for pride and for points to avoid the “wooden spoon”. Bahçeli have had a disappointing season, but we must remember this is their first season back in existence after having missed the previous 2 seasons, due to having no money to form a village team. It’s good to see them back, long may they continue.

BTM Group 5 : KARAOĞLANOĞLU SB v DAĞYOLU-ŞIRINEVLER SK.

Venue : Karaoğlanoğlu Orhan Dural Stadi.

Another vital and important match – this time league leaders Karaoğlanoğlu take on 3^rd place Dağyolu. The leaders are 3 points in front of their opponents so it’s is a must win match for Dağyolu.

SUPPORT LOCAL FOOTBALL.