Super 2s beat nemesis E London in 2-1 thriller

Southend & Benfleet 2s - 2
East London 4s - 1
Goal scorers: Aimee Cole, Anna Winfield

It was a late pushback for S&B 2s first home game of 2014, as they hosted East London 4s. Previous games between the 2 clubs have always been close encounters, & this one was no different, as an extremely tight contest finished with the home side edging a 2.1 win.

East London began the game much the better side, with S&B struggling to get into the game & hold possession for long. The regular back line of Anne Johnson, Lisa Hockley & Michelle Arnold were kept very busy early on, as the visitors played a good passing game through the midfield, making it very difficult for S&B to create any attacks of their own. Bridget Newlove & Alison Riley worked very hard in the middle to break down the wave of EL attacks, with Jo Hall & Jo Chesters looking to break down the wings. But it was the visitors who deservedly struck first, as a defence splitting pass from the midfield was picked up by the unmarked EL forward, who slotted it past unfortunate keeper Carly Winfield, who despite getting a foot to it, couldn’t prevent it rolling in. The goal seemed to spur S&B into life, & they started getting the upper hand in the game, Anna Winfield, Lesley Tonking & Isobelle Williams seeing a lot more of the ball up front, & giving East London’s defence plenty to do. And it didn’t take long for S&B to equalise, when a beautifully weighted ball from midfield was picked up by Winfield on the right, who swept the ball across to the left post where substitute Aimee Cole was waiting to slot in yet another goal! Captain Kerry Payton & Liz Fry took over midfield duties, while Fiona Regan slotted in nicely at the back, & with the 2s on the front foot, the game turned in their favour. Another lovely ball from midfield found Lesley Tonking, who’s first time pass was played inch perfectly into the path of Winfield, & she beat the defender before sliding the ball under the on-rushing keeper. The goal seemed to dampen East London spirits, & S&B finished the half much better than they had started it!

But East London came out with renewed spirit, & looked to start the second half as they had the first. With the visitor’s right winger causing all sorts of problems, Payton elected to do what she did last week with Harlow’s danger player, & gave herself the unenviable task of keeping her quiet! The majority of S&B’s attacks came down the right, with Chesters, Winfield, Riley & Tonking linking up well again. With East London pushing hard for the equaliser, S&B’s midfield & defence again came under a lot of pressure, & one such attack bought an absolutely amazing save from keeper Winfield, who managed to kick away a ball that looked destined for the bottom corner. The hosts came so close to extending their lead & effectively killing the game off, when another break down the right found Winfield. She pulled the ball back to Tonking, who saw her shot agonisingly hit the post, drift across the goal & roll harmlessly over the back line! Despite the constant pressure, S&B held firm, & the game finished with the same score line as last season.

And so a very tough match ended with another 3 points on the board for the 2s, & with other results going their way, now hold a 7 point advantage over third placed Upminster. Player of the match was awarded to Anna Winfield, & S&B now face another potentially difficult game away at Redbridge & Ilford.

Thanks to the 1s who came and supported after their game, as well as Katie who braved the cold!