Under overcast skies, Didim Efeler 09 put in a dominant second-half performance to record its biggest win of the season so far in a 3-1 victory over Karabuk Idmanyurdu, writes Chris Evans.
A newly reseeded pitch and a more energetic performance than in recent times saw Didim’s second head coach of the season finally get his first win.
The first ten minutes of the match didn’t give an indication of things to come, as both sides tried to work out how to control the blustery conditions. Despite a vastly improved new pitch, passes were going astray, and the referee seemed happy to blow his whistle just to keep himself warm.
On 11 minutes everything changed as Didim won a corner on the right. The ball was swung in to find the head of an unmarked Cengizhan Sen who powered it into the back of the net. A great start to the game for Didim.
As has often been the case this season, it didn’t last long. Just 8 minutes later, Karabuk was level. A cross from the left went past everyone, giving an easy tap in at the far post. The teams were back level.
It took another 10 minutes before Didim wasted a good chance when the striker was played through. He dithered rather than crossing to an unmarked teammate in the penalty area and the chance was gone.
It took another 12 minutes before a free header for Karabuk was headed tamely at the Didim goalkeeper. He started a counterattack that led to a clear trip on the Didim striker in the penalty area. Not for the first time this season, the referee waived away the appeals. When you are on a bad run, luck, and officials, are rarely on your side.
The first half drew to a close. In truth, much of the first half, except for the goals, had been like watching paint dry. Didim lacked confidence, and it showed.
Dark storm clouds appeared overhead as the second half started. Was it an omen for Didim?
It took 10 minutes to wake the crowd up from its slumber as a terrible back pass allowed Didim to create an opening. The shot from the edge of the penalty area was poor. It seemed to galvanise Didim, though, and the team started to dominate.
On the hour, Didim poured forward with a great break. Everyone was waiting for the net to ripple as the forward runner beat several defenders. Then laughter, as the Didim player missed the ball completely with his attempted shot. It summed up the season so far.
Thankfully, it didn’t dent Didim’s fragile confidence and, 4 minutes later, it was back in front. Another strong run down the left saw a low cross to the near post. Gokberk Efe put in a great run to lose his defender and volleyed the ball home from 6 yards. the celebrations saw the confidence grow around the whole ground.
Didim was dominating the game and got the deserved third goal on 79 minutes. Another run down the left saw a superb cross to the back post where an unmarked Suleyman Celik rose to power a header back across the goalkeeper into the far corner. A quality phase of play.
Didim saw out the remaining minutes with ease as it registered its biggest win of the season.
Didim Efeler 09 travel to Konyaspor on Sunday 15 December in its last game before the winter break. The next home game is scheduled for 26 January.