Southend & Benfleet made a welcome return to league hockey in East division
3SE playing at home against Redbridge. The home side got off to a good start
with the majority of possession. New captain, Chloe Syvrett, played in
attack alongside Lily Cole with Rachel Jeffery slotting in just behind. They
had to wait until just before half-time when Cole broke the stalemate,
slapping a cross high above the keeper into the top left corner. This gave
the team more confidence going into the second half, however Redbridge
retaliated to even the score. Southend & Benfleet were determined not to let
the match slip away. Georgia Middleton made her debut for the first team on
the left and Caitlin Meredith was relentless down the right wing. The second
goal came as Rachel Jeffery put away a rebound off the Redbridge goalkeeper.
A good start to the new season!

Player of the match: Lily Cole