Southend & Benfleet 1st XI - 1 (Ashlie Colman)
Chelmsford 3rd XI - 1

Photo: keeper Lisa Hawkins and defender Jodie Linge (please credit Tina Meredith)
Southend & Benfleet narrowly missed out on winning the league with a draw at home against Chelmsford 3s. The last time the top-of-the-table teams met Southend & Benfleet lost 1-0 so a tough match was inevitable. From the outset the game was tense and Southend & Benfleet had the most possession. However, Chelmsford were fast on their feet and with some quick passing they managed to get into the D and cause trouble for the S&B defence and goalkeeper Lisa Hawkins. The score at half-time was 0-0. Ten minutes into the second half and a long corner taken by Nic Bryant was pinged into the D by Adele Cole. Ashlie Colman dug the ball out from under the Chelmsford keeper’s pads and flicked it into the goal. It looked as though it had been saved by a Chelmsford defender’s forehead. However the ball had indeed crossed the line and a goal was awarded. Southend & Benfleet’s celebrations didn’t last for long as Chelmsford scored the equaliser 5 minutes later. More short corners followed for Chelmsford but S& B worked hard to keep the scoreline at 1-1. Joint players of the match went to Nina Coleman, Jodie Linge, Chloe Harris and Lisa Hawkins. Southend & Benfleet sit two points ahead of Upminster who they play in the final match on Saturday.

If you are interested in joining this successful club next season, especially if you are a goalkeeper, please contact Claire King (claireking2078@gmail.com).