Turkey round-up: Besiktas miss chance
Friday, March 15, 2002
Article summary
Denizlispor denied Besiktas JK top spot in the 1. Lig with a 2-2 draw in Istanbul on Friday.
Article body
Besiktas JK missed the chance to move to the top of the Turkish 1. Lig as they were held to a surprise 2-2 draw by mid-table Denizlispor on Friday.
Going to plan
Things looked to be going to plan for the third-placed hosts as Tunisian international midfield player Zoubier Baya fired them ahead with his second goal of the season after 23 minutes. And in-form striker Ilhan Mansiz restored the hosts' lead in the 35th minute after they lost it for just 60 seconds following Beyazit Timucin's leveller.
Stopped in their tracks
But just when the Inönü stadium faithful expected Besiktas to race clear in the second half, it was Timucin who once again stopped them in their tracks. The midfield player cracked home his second of the game on the hour mark, and the visiting defence then held firm to bring Denizlispor only their ninth away point of the season.
Galatasaray on top
Former leaders Besiktas, who could have overtaken both leaders Galatasaray SK and second-placed Fenerbahçe SK, remain in third place, two points behind the Ali Sami Yen club.
