It was a good day for Benoni Northerns Football Club’s (BNFC) first team on their travels to Bedfordview, in the ELFA Super League Seniors Division One, on Saturday, July 19.
Coach Flavio Mariuzzi and his first XI returned to Benoni with the full three points, while the reserve team drew 1-1 in the earlier game.
The firsts played well in a difficult away encounter to win their game.
They were the first on the score sheet, courtesy of an excellent team goal that was rounded off by midfielder Joel Nchlabeng.
Bedfordview equalised from a corner kick soon after, as a result of some poor marking.
Northerns, though, would score another goal just before half time, from the always dangerous Brogan Shrimpton, who latched onto a through ball and beat the goalkeeper to give his team the lead.
When the second stanza got underway, it was Cameron McMillan who would extend the lead with a sharp and aware finish from a corner, to give BNFC a two-goal advantage.
A penalty was awarded to Bedfordview by the referee later on, and that gave the home team the chance to score their second.
Northerns’ gloveman Daniel de Abreu saved the initial kick from the Bedford penalty taker, but the assistant referee called for the spot kick to be retaken.
De Abreu managed to dive the correct way and get his fingers to the ball on the second attempt, but it just managed to squeeze past him.
The game ended at 3-2 in favour of coach Mariuzzi’s men.
“It was a fair result based on the number of chances created and the possession we had,” said the coach.
“Overall, I am very happy with the win, as it is our second consecutive victory.”
He added that the result stems well for the upcoming ELFA Super League Cup game, against Kempton Park, scheduled for Saturday, July 26.
