Southend and Benfleet 1’s travelled to Crostyx in the strangest weather – glorious sunshine one minute and torrential rain the next. The game started well, as although S&B had a bare 11 this week, we knew we had a strong 11 and a good chance of winning the game. We put the pressure on straight away, with Player of the Match Hattie Bowden dominating central midfield, alongside Kendall Colman, distributing the ball well and making key tackles. Their hard work paid off, when Ashlie Bolton made a run into the D, and earned a short corner. The ball from Coleman went top of the D to Ashlie Bolton, who struck the ball well, and the rebound was expertly deflected into the goal by Kendall, 1-0 up and S&B were feeling strong. The defence of Nina Dabbs, Charley Edwards and Leanne Neicho, and goalkeeper Carmel Kenny, thwarted any Crostyx attack, including their particularly skilful and quick centre forward, and were expertly aided by Bowden to defend many short corners.

The second half remained largely the same, with many attacks from S&B forwards, Chloe King, Chloe Chaldecott and Bolton, who were well supported by Caitlin Meredith and Adele Cole in midfield. Crostyx were not giving up and continued to put pressure on S&B, but the team held strong and gained themselves another 3 points, bringing them just 1 point behind Romford and Witham with 2 games in hand. Final score 1-0.
Player of the Match: Hattie Bowden