Excited and focused, the Southend and Benfleet squad prepared to face their rivals, Southend HC, in a crucial matchup against the second-place team in the league. Having already faced them once this season, the girls aimed to leverage their previous experience and showcase their improvement, determined to secure a victory and solidify their standing in the league.

As the match progressed, S&B's tactical setup of a 3-1-4-2 formation allowed them to dominate possession and effectively neutralize Southend's offensive plays, leading to a series of counter-attacks that nearly put them ahead.

The combination of disciplined defending and fluid midfield movement showcased their strategy well, keeping Southend on the back foot. Despite S&B's strong start and solid midfield control, Southend's resilience paid off as they exploited a gap in defense to score just before halftime, taking a 1-0 lead. This unexpected breakthrough shifted the momentum, leaving S&B with the challenge of regrouping and strategising for a turnaround in the second half.

In the second half, S&B maintained their attacking intensity, showcasing dazzling sequences of play and precise passing, yet they struggled to convert opportunities into goals. As fatigue began to set in, Southend capitalized on this weakness with a relentless high press, intensifying the pressure and forcing S&B into uncharacteristic errors, thus shifting the balance of the game back in favor of the home team.

The match concluded with a misleading 4-1 scoreline in favor of Southend, as the closely contested nature of the game belied the final result. Leanne Neicho stood out with her exceptional defensive play and effective ball distribution, earning her the players' vote for her outstanding contribution over the 70 minutes.

With renewed determination, the team looks ahead to next week, aiming to secure the victory they feel they truly deserve.

Player of the Match: Leanne Neicho