League:

It was one-way traffic in Turkey as Buffs took the game to the opposition. The home manager was not present but Buffs Mad recognised the squeals of a visitor "cheering for the...." host team. Although the first half was goal-less much of the play took place in the home sides half. It had been a valiant defensive display with the hosts throwing themselves at everything and using every part of their bodies to keep Buffs out. Unfortunately for 1 brave defender who got in the way of a Mackay pile-driver that meant 5 mins out with the magic sponge down his shorts. (Later Buffs Mad, kind soul that he is, passed the player the business card of a good fertility clinic).

The second half started as the home manager appeared. The Buffs pitched tents in the opposition penalty area and were rewarded for their possession in 51 mins as Mackay pounced on a poor clearance and rifled home. 1-0

The home side made a change, to force play down the left, when the ball was out for a Buffs corner. But he had no time to make any impact as Caesar crossed and Jinky headed home. 2-0

Time for some hard-ball tactics as Souness was chopped down outside the box with the home side determined to send a message to the marauding Buffs. It proved to be an expensive message as Mackay took the free kick and sent a rocket into the top corner. 3-0

It had been brave defending by the homeside with the occasional break but 3 goals in 6 minutes seemed like a just reward for the Buffs endeavour.

The home side stepped up 1 last gear and pressed and made another substitution. 10 minutes of midfield dueling began but with only a few long range shots from the home team carrying any threat. Mackay's heel was playing a blinder, like the slimiest politician........it deflected everything.

Souness decided to step in and make his mark on this midfield battle - but instead made his mark (not deliberately ofc) on the young Turkish MC - Yellow for Souness. The action slowly drifted further and further into the home side's territory once more until the pressure was relentless. The script repeated itself. Foul on the edge of the box, Mackay places the ball, *whoosh* and keeper picks it out of the net. The remaining 8 mins were played out in midfield with both sides drained.

Banana skin avoided but the real test for the Buffs will come in the next round of matches which will see them host the league leaders and, after a minimum rest period, travel to Brazil for the 1st leg of the CL tie.