2s beat East London to steal top spot!

East London 5th XI - 1
Southend & Benfleet 2nd XI - 4 (Naomi Barker - 2, Anna Winfield - 2)

The 2nd XI were the only S&B team to have a game on Saturday, the other games called off due to frozen pitches. It was their first game back after the Christmas break and straight into a top of the table clash where second placed S&B travelled to take on the current division leaders, East London. S&B beat EL on their previous meeting, but a loss to third place Braintree and draw against Witham meant they were two points behind.

Captain Kerry Payton was eager for the win and put out a strong squad. The match started well for the visitors with an early goal from top goal scorer Naomi Barker. Rapid end to end play continued but dominant S&B took no prisoners and long serving striker Anna Winfield smashed a second goal away doubling the scoreline. S&B's midfield worked tirelessly to break down EL's strong centre pack, with countless interceptions and distributing the ball to attack EL's goal again, resulting in another goal from Winfield, giving them a comfortable 3-0 at half time.

But EL were not down and out. The second half commenced with S&B's goal under fire with keeper Katie Keppel making some outstanding saves. After a succession of runs by both teams, EL made certain to convert a free hit outside the D to a first goal which raised their heads and game. Quickly supressed by S&B who kept form and battled back up the pitch, S&B secured a short corner where Barker completed her brace and made the final score 4-1, sending the Super 2s deservedly to the top of the league!