Caltex Socceroos defender Alex Gersbach has slumped to a 1-0 defeat in his debut for Lens in France’s Ligue 2.
Despite the visitors Orleans having Karim Ziani sent off before the break, Lens conceded early in the second half via Arthur Gomis’ goal.
It was Lens’ 11th league defeat from 22 matches this season, dropping the club to 16th in the 20 team competition, just above the drop zone.
But Gersbach was strong on his debut, getting through 90 minutes and putting in a number of teasing crosses from the left.
The 20-year-old will be hoping this is the start of a string of games for his French club as he looks to secure a spot in the Caltex Socceroos squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Lens are on the road next week as they travel to promotion-chasing Lorient.
Elsewhere, Craig Goodwin and Kenneth Dougall’s Sparta Rotterdam has fallen to another defeat in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Both were in the starting line-up for the trip to Heerenveen and despite going ahead, inside three minutes, Sparta lost 2-1.
Goodwin picked up a yellow card just after the hour mark before he was substituted a few minutes later, while Dougall played the full 90 minutes in midfield.
Sparta, managed by former Dutch boss Dick Advocaat, remain rooted to the bottom of the Eredivisie ladder, with just 11 points from 20 matches.
