Underdogs unravel Old Bens firsts at Currin Park

Old Bens Football Club’s Eastern Local Football Association (ELFA) Senior Super League XI was dealt a big blow to their quest for a top-three finish on the league table.

The team suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to league bottom-dwellers Boksburg Football Club at Currin Park on July 7.

It was a big surprise considering Bens’ position on the table (now fourth behind Alberton by four points with Bens having a game in hand) and means their hunt for the top three positions will get even more difficult heading into the final months.

Boksburg, who is 13th on the 14-team league table, scored with about five minutes left to win the match when the scores were level at 1-1 to send the visitors into a state of hysteria.

They had every reason to celebrate – the result marked only the third win for the Blues in 17 matches.

“We played terribly,” said Old Bens first XI head coach Raymond Cloete.

“It was just one of those games where we put in 50 per cent and they put in 120 per cent.

“After our reserve team won 10-0 in the earlier match our guys were obviously way too complacent and expected to score four or five goals with ease.

“That didn’t happen and we lacked quality on the day.

“The defeat definitely hurts our top three chances, but we have to move on from it as there is still a long way to go in the season.

“Take nothing away from Boksburg though, they deserved it.”

Cloete said he would have a meeting with his team at their training session on July 10 to plot the way ahead in getting the side back on track.

The first and reserve sides’ focus now shifts to the ELFA Super Cup on July 14.

Bens will travel to the Greek Sporting Club to play Corinthians in the first round of the knock-out tournament.

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