A trip to Rayleigh to play one of the top teams fighting for promotion awaited L3s on Saturday. The earlier home fixture last November had brought about a nasty taste with unsporting play by Southend and a loss to top it off. So the 3s were keen to get revenge and with Captain Fantastic missing due to work commitments the team wanted to win for her birthday and to keep the 6 match unbeaten run going.

A strong start by the greens with some lovely passing between midfield and the front line. Lovely driving play from Holly Guy and movement from Sophie Prior, but no goal to show for the hard work.

Southend gained momentum and pressured the defence, missing the goal on a few occasions after some lovely stick skills.

The deadlock was broken when the greens defence linked with midfield and onto the frontline and Holly Guy neatly took her chance beating the keeper easily. Southend didn’t let up the pressure though and came back quickly after a the greens holding onto the ball to long and Southend pressuring a mistake. A well struck goal made it 1-1 at half time.

The second half became feisty with Southend showing their aggressive side once more. Captain for the game Sam mistimed a tackle and had a green card to show. Heckling from the oppo captain showing their frustrations. A second green card for the greens for Lou after not retreating 5 too often but Southend couldn’t capitalise in the extra players.

A fantastic bit of play from midfield as a whole to Lauren Willson on her debut, who took the ball around the keeper and slotted it in calmly to get what was the winning goal!

The greens were literally holding on to the win by the skin of their teeth with lots of pressure from Southend creating mistakes and therefore constant defending. Some last ditch tackles from Connie, Danielle and Martha saving the day. But the greens held out and toppled Southends hopes of gaining ground at the top!

Player of the match Martha for the second week running.
Next week another tough match v Maldon at home!