Old Loughtonians 3s – 1
Southend and Benfleet 1s – 0

This week saw Southend and Benfleet 1s travel to face off against their old rivals Old Loughtonians 3s in a match that could very well decide who will be in the top two this season. Whenever these well-matched teams meet there’s always a fierce battle for dominance and whilst S&B were victorious in their early game this season, this week proved to be Old Loughts time to shine.

As the game began S&B showed promise, with fast passing and tight defending it looked like S&B would have the run of the game, but it was not to be; as the play went on S&B were put on the defensive and kept there despite the best efforts of Nicola Bryant and Naomi Barker trying to launch counter attacks sporadically throughout the half. Player of the match Jodie Linge proved pivotal again this week as she constantly organised S&Bs defensive plays by communicating with every member of the team to ensure close marking was maintained throughout the game. Caitlin Meredith cut out many of the home sides passes to shut down their attacks but it was S&B goalie Lisa Hawkins that made many crucial save throughout the first half and kept the home side off the scoreboard. Kirsty Edmunds created chances by battling against the Old Loughts defenders one after the other but it was to no avail as half time was called and the score remained 0-0.

As play resumed S&B perked up for a brief moment with a few early attacks but as they were closed down and Old Loughts fought back, S&B were pushed firmly back on the defensive for most of the second half. The teamwork witnessed down S&Bs left wing between Nicola Coleman, Adele Cole and Sarah Conway is becoming a prevalent feature of every game, and this week was no exception as they worked constantly to push the ball up through the hoards of the opposition to have a strike at goal. Ellen Taylor found a new home for herself as she moved into defence and performed brilliantly with some well timed tackles. Defending in pairs proved a vital tactic this week as demonstrated when Hayley Middleton and Captain Rachel Jeffery cut out many of the Old Lought assaults and helped push the ball up the pitch if only to alleviate some of the otherwise constant pressure on the S&B defence. The pressure never seemed to let up on S&B this week and despite some near misses and numerous short corners being awarded to Old Loughts the S&B defence kept them out. Unfortunately it apparently couldn’t last as nearing the end of the game, Old Loughts were able to scrabble onto the scoreboard. Despite S&B fighting back they were unable to break the home sides defence before the final whistle sealed the score S&B – 0, Old Loughts – 1.