Southend & Benfleet 1st XI hosted Upminster 2nd XI for their first fixture of the season in division 2SE.
Carmel Snyman made her debut in goal for S&B and she was put to the test from the off. Rachel Jeffery made a number of effective clearances and linked well with midfielder Georgia Middleton. However, the away side were a well drilled team. They put S&B’s defence under pressure and Upminster were leading 2-0 at half-time.
The second half was more attacking and S&B were awarded a number of penalty corners saved by the Upminster goalkeeper. Upminster scored again to make the full-time score 3-0.
Another tough game is in prospect next week, away against Waltham Forest 1's, who opened the season with a 5-1 win over Brentwood 2's.

Player of the Match: Rachel Jeffery