Unlucky defeat for 10-man 3s

Upminster 4th XI - 2
Southend & Benfleet 3rd XI - 1 (Grace Wright)
Southend and Benfleet 3s had a hard match playing top of the league, Upminster, especially with bare 11. In a game that swung from end to end, S&B shocked their hosts by taking a 1-0 lead through Grace Wright midway through the first half. Any time Upminster pressed forward, the attacks were broken up by Lucy Stowe and Charmaine Thorn. With Tiggy Francis and Nicole Rutter causing many problems on the wings for Upminster and the defence of Rachel Blades, Jordan Woodman, Lucy Stowe and Anne Johnson holding firm, the visitors looked more likely to score than Upminster. But frustratingly Upminster managed to equalise with the last hit before the half time whistle.

Illness meant that the 3s went down to 10 players for the second half. With the player advantage, Upminster finally showed why they’re top of the table and the second half was mainly Upminster dominance. Goalkeeper and player of the match Olivia Wyre made many saves but couldn’t do anything about Upminster’s second goal, very shortly before the end meaning Upminster won 2-1.