Southend and Benfleet 1’s had a confident start against Chelmsford. Attacking from the off, S&B took the lead after 46 seconds with Georgia Middleton ready and waiting in the D to slip the ball into the back of the net. This continued throughout the first half, with Hattie Bowden and Lily Cole working well in central midfield and the defence having little to do. Kendall Coleman took a stick to the neck and Georgia Middleton went off with injury, leaving the 11 on pitch to continue. No more goals in the first half, but S&B were feeling positive at the break.

Chelmsford came back after half time ready to attack, winning a short corner fairly quickly which was converted. The second half gave the defence a lot more to do with Player of the Match Nina Dabbs stopping many balls through, and many bruises being gained by S&B. Chelmsford scored again, bringing the score to 2:1. S&B refused to give up, and a quick ball in to Chloe King saw her slot the ball into the back of the net, drawing the teams level once again. With 2 minutes to go, Chelmsford won, and converted another short corner, bringing the score to 3:2. S&B had a final short corner in the dying seconds, however unfortunately, the ball was slipped to defender Leanne Neicho, who hit the ball 3 feet wide of the post. Final score 3:2, and a disappointing loss for S&B.
Player of the Match: Nina Dabbs