First half over

Thank God I wasn't in Rize this weekend as surely any Genclerbirligi fan would have had their heart broken right at the death.

Obviously there is nothing much in the papers concerning the match but a quick look at the stats makes one cry out in pain.

The match ended 1-1. Mehmet Cakir scored again for Gencler in the 74th minute and then, in the fifth minute of extra time, Kerem was penalised for something or other and Rizespor converted.

Embarrassing really as Rize are coming third last.

I also guess I was lucky that what with all the parties this time of year there was no way that Mrs. Oz Kanka was going to give permission for me to go to the Ankaragucu - Sivasspor match on saturday. Sitting in the cold for a 0-0 draw isn't my idea of a great afternoon's entertainment.

So that's it for the first half of the season and all in all, not so bad for Gencler but pretty ordinary for Ankaragucu. Gencler are now in fourth place (needing to get into third for a guaranteed UEFA Cup place) while Ankaragucu are down at 12th.

Not 100 percent sure when the league starts up again but my prediction is that Gencler will get that third position. They started the season extremely stupidly, but then we got rid of the coach and have been playing quite well recently. Fingers crossed it will continue.

Some of you may be wondering why I'm not confident enough to predict Gencler to win the league. Looking at the mathematics, Gencler could well be in the lead after just seven matches. This assumes that Fenerbahce lose all seven, we win all seven and Galatasaray lose at least six. Possible, but slightly unlikely.