An away game this week saw Southend and Benfleet 1s travelling to face Old De Ferrians. S&B were ready and raring to go and dominated the home side from the first whistle. S&B communicated well and were able to mount organised attacks on the ODF's goal time and time again. Great positioning of Nicola Coleman and Hayley Middleton meant that S&B were able to perform quick passes across the pitch which let them attack from all sides. It was a long time coming but mere seconds before half time Rachel Jeffery found herself on the end of a perfect cross allowing her to tap the ball past the ODF goalie to give S&B a well deserved 1-0 lead at half time.

S&B weren’t happy with the shaky one goal lead though and continued to hassle the ODF defence and whilst S&B were awarded plenty of short corners throughout the second half, the second goal of the game proved elusive. The few attacks the home side did manage were quick breakaways up the wings but were soon closed down by diligent defending by Bex Utton, Nina Dabbs and Jodie Linge. However, midway through the second half ODF were awarded a penalty flick which allowed them to level the score. S&B stayed positive though and although Claire King and Lora Sharples continued to pressure the defence they were unfortunately denied any further goals by the host's smart and gutsy goalie who closed down the attacker solo when her defenders failed her. Soon though another clever cross across the face of the goal tricked the ODF goalie and this time found captain Nicola Bryant slipping the ball into the back of the goal to make the score 2-1 at full time.

Great teamwork from everyone meant that player of the match was a difficult decision this week. In the end the honour was shared between, Nicola Coleman, Hayley Middleton and captain Nicola Bryant. Now five games into the season S&B are battling at the top of the table with Waltham Forest for first place who are only ahead on goal difference.