Southend and Benfleet 1s had a confident start against unbeaten Thurrock. Some good passages of play saw Rachel Jeffery leading an attack down the left wing, linking well with Georgia Middleton and Ashlie Bolton up front. Their efforts were rewarded with a short corner. The injection from Rachel Jeffery came to the top of the D to Nina Dabbs, who slipped the ball right to Georgia Middleton. Thurrock keeper saved the initial shot, but Lily Cole was quick on the rebound and slotted the ball into the back of the net to take the home team up 1:0. The defence worked hard at the back, with Charley Edwards, Leanne Neicho and Hattie Bowden (in her debut game) keeping Thurrock at bay. S&B were pleased with their first half performance and went into the break leading 1:0.

Thurrock came back strongly in the second half, earning themselves numerous short corners which were defended well. Eventually, Thurrock converted a short corner with a strong strike into the bottom corner of the goal, levelling the score to 1:1. S&B continued to attack hard but could not get the elusive winning goal. Player of the Match, Rachel Jeffery, continued to work tirelessly up the left, creating some great attacking chances and defending well. Late in the second half, Thurrock scored from another short corner, ending the scoring at 2:1. Lots of positives to take out of a tough game.
Player of the Match: Rachel Jeffery