Northerns defeat Old Bens to claim derby bragging rights

Goals from Bruce Olivier, Sipho Pooe and Thabang Teffo were enough to secure Benoni Northerns a 3-0 win over arch-rivals Old Bens in the Easterns Super League at Northerns A field on August 20.

Northerns extended their undefeated streak to 13 matches while Bens lost their fifth consecutive match.

Such was the magnitude of this tie that Easterns Football called for the services of PSL referee, Victor Gomes, to officiate this match.

The home side stuck to their usual approach, contesting for every ball and using the width of the field well. They got behind the Old Bens fullbacks and took all their chances while Old Bens’ normal fluid attacking approach didn’t work on the day.

“Our approach to this game was no different to the last couple of games. We focused on ourselves. We held onto the ball, moved it quickly, frustrated our opponents and when the chances came, we made it happen,” said Northerns coach Enrique Juanas-Uriol.

Juanas-Uriol’s charges needed no motivation as their last league defeat was against the same opponent on May 7.

“We told the boys to go out there and make amends for our last league loss which was against Old Bens. At that time we had suffered from injuries and suspensions.”

On a windy afternoon, the game began with the hosts on top as they controlled the contest from the first whistle. They had the first opportunity of the match but Old Bens Keeper Bafana Mahamba pulled off a fine save to keep the tie even.

Northerns captain Bruce Olivier opened the scoring with a tap-in on the far post following a free-kick from the left.

Chances were far and between for both sides as much of the play was concentrated in the middle of the park. Against the run, Bens defender Travis McMean almost equalised but his header was cleared off the line.

From the ensuing counter-attack, Northerns were awarded a free-kick on the Bens penalty arc but Olivier blasted the ball over the posts.

Also Read: Derby win for Northerns on home ground

The teams went into the break with the home side leading 1-0.

The second half began slowly with none of the keepers tested. The home side scored two more goals deep into the half to add to their tally and grab the three points.

The hosts’ second goal came against the run of play when Mahamba mistimed his tackle on Calvin Tsieng. The Northerns attacker received a through ball from the middle but the on-rushing Mahamba fouled him in the area and Sipho Pooe stepped up to score from the spot.

Thabang Teffo made it three from a cross from the right. The Bens keeper parried the cross and facing the other way, Teffo twisted his body to score on the far corner.

“We were the superior team on the day. We controlled all aspects of the game. They seemed to run out of ideas when they had the ball and we kept our shape,” added Juanas-Uriol.

Old Bens coach Mike Lee decried his team’s failure to utilise their chances.

“Northerns were full of confidence and are on a strong run. I thought it was a strong battle as derbies always are. We didn’t create enough opportunities and small individual errors cost us at critical moments.

“I feel we played well in patches but couldn’t use it effectively. Well done to Northerns and we look forward to our battle next season,” Lee said.

Northerns reserves also defeated Old Bens reserves 2-0.

Also Read: Success for Benoni Northerns after ELFA Cup final derby versus Old Bens