Old Bens, Northerns share Derby Day spoils
The second Benoni Football Derby of the 2016 ELFA Super League season between the first teams of Old Bens and Benoni Northerns football clubs ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday, August 27.
This was exactly the same score line as when the teams met at the Currin Park venue, in September, last year.
After winning the reverse fixture 1-0 at Northern Areas back in May coach Jannie van den Berg and his Benoni Northerns team will claim the overall derby bragging rights for 2016.
The famous local clash between the near neighbours always draws the crowds and Saturday was no different.
It was perhaps not the most memorable first team derby in recent years in terms of sheer football entertainment on display.
The curtain-raising reserve team encounter, which ended 2-1 to Old Bens, was more of a typically heated derby match-up, with three red cards dished out by the referee and a number of intense on-field shenanigans.
CLICK HERE for a GALLERY of images from the reserve team Benoni Derby.
There was, indeed, a red card brandished in the first team match by the official in charge, at Northerns’ midfielder Silas Makatla, for what the referee deemed a dangerous high boot tackle, minutes before half-time.
With the score 0-0 at the break, Makatla’s expulsion from the pitch gave van den Berg somewhat of a head-scratching dilemma and he was forced to reshuffle his game plan.
Old Bens’ coach Raymond Cloete and his team were buoyed by having the advantage of an extra player and would soon capitalise and break the deadlock through midfielder Steven Webster, who rounded off a well-worked attacking move from the hosts to put the ball past Northerns’ goalkeeper Rowen Viljoen and open the scoring on the day.
Bens, however, failed to convert a number of good opportunities to extend their lead and they paid the price late into the match, when Sim Maseko (promoted from the second side) stepped up to equalise for the visiting team and force the draw.
Both coaches told the City Times that they were relatively satisfied with the drawn result, but would, naturally, have preferred to take all three points from the derby with their respective overall season goals in mind.
With regard to the red card to Makatla, van den Berg added: “The red was a massive setback, especially because it was so early into the game.
“I did not necessarily think it was a red card challenge, but we had to get on with it.
“After their goal we found our composure again and did what we had to do.
“I brought on Sim and he helped me out by getting the equalising goal.”
Cloete said: “With them being one player short and us being a goal up we should have capitalised on the chances that were presented, and we didn’t do it.
“We played well in patches.
We held onto the ball more, but they were more direct and threatening up front, and that’s what got the goal for them in the end.”
“I think it was a typical derby, because the guys really got stuck in and worked hard.
“To me it is not about the derby result, but more about us losing the three points.
“We got a bit casual in the last 10 minutes and let it slip.”
LISTEN to a brief chat with the Old Bens coach:
CLICK HERE for a GALLERY of images from the first team Benoni Derby.
- Northerns will play their next league match against Olympia at 3.30pm on Saturday, September 3, at Northern Areas, while Old Bens will travel to Boksburg.
ALSO READ: Why we love the Benoni Derby, bru
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
