Fener stumble, Samsunspor boost hopes

Second-placed Fenerbache let slip a half-time lead as they were held 1-1 by third-placed Trabzonspor today. Fener went ahead four minutes before the break through Cristian Baroni's goal, but they were pegged back by a 73rd-minute equaliser from Burak Yilmaz. The result leaves Fener nine points behind leaders Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig standings, with Trabzonspor a further ten back. At the other end of the table, Samsunspor continued their brave bid to avoid the drop with an impressive 1-0 win at fourth-placed Besiktas. Murat Yildirim netted the only goal of the game 20 minutes from time as Samsunspor claimed their fifth win in eight matches to move to within three points of Antalyaspor and safety with one game to go. Antalyaspor's own quest to avoid relegation suffered a hit as they lost 3-1 at home to Bursaspor. Bursaspor's goals came from Sebastian Pinto (34), Pablo Batalla (44) and Ibrahim Bangura (90), with Antalyaspor's response coming through Tita (78).