Hard fought draw for the 2s

Southend & Benfleet 2nd XI - 1
Redbridge & Ilford 2nd XI - 1
(Goal Alison Riley)

S&B 2nd XI welcomed Redbridge & Ilford 2s on another warm and unseasonal hockey afternoon. Like the hosts, Redbridge had also won their first two matches and both sides were keen to keep up the winning streak. But it was the visitors that found the backboard first when they surprised S&B with a quick attack and finished with a strong strike. This fired up the home side who launched attack after attack on the Redbridge goal, Jo Chesters creating chances on her first game back. S&B won several penalty corners and came so close to scoring - Claire King really keeping the keeper on her toes and Lora Sharples coming agonisingly close.
But the score remained 1-0 to R&I at half time.

Both sides stepped up a level in the second half. The action was end to end, the midfield having a busy afternoon with captain and man of the match Kerry Payton making some crucial tackles. Natasha Cheeseman, new to S&B this season, was impressive at the back, calmly dealing with attacks and running the ball out of trouble. There were several more chances for the hosts to equalise but just as they thought it was not their day, Alison Riley powered home a thunderous strike from the edge of the D, ten minutes from time. Both sides went for the winner but the game finished 1-1. This sees S&B go third in Div 3, equal on points with Chelmsford and R&I who are first and second respectively, just behind on goal difference. Next week the 2s travel to division leaders Chelmsford.