Ates fire Gala to victory

Galatasaray pulled nine points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig tonight as two goals from Necati Ates helped see off Mersin Idmanyurdu 3-1. Ates headed the leaders ahead after 28 minutes, but it would not prove to be a routine win. Home side Mersin had Baris Atas sent off after 57 minutes, but with ten men they found an equaliser in the 76th minute, when Erhan Guven netted. A penalty from Selcuk Inan six minutes later restored Galatasaray's lead, and with mid-table Mersin pushing for an equaliser in the last minute they were caught on the counter attack when a corner was cleared. Galatasaray surged forward and Ates tucked the ball in from close range after his initial shot was superbly saved by Hakan Arikan. Fenerbahce are Galatasaray's nearest rivals and play Sivasspor tomorrow.