SOUTHEND & Benfleet crushed Harlow 5-0 and kept their third clean sheet in succession to maintain their fine form.

Goals from Naomi Barker, Ashlie Colman, Caitlin Meredith, Kirsty Edmunds and Sarah Conway proved the difference and they started well, winning a short corner inside the opening exchanges.

The corner came to nothing but soon after Barker notched the first goal of the game following a swift break from the back.

Harlow almost capitalised to equalise but S&B goalkeeper Lisa Hawkins snuffed out the danger before the visitors doubled their advantage.

Edmunds burst down the flank and slid back for Colman to convert after the keeper had committed herself.

It was 2-0 at half-time but Edmunds was soon involved once again as she created the third goal, drawing the keeper only for Meredith to slip home the loose ball.

Nicola Bryant shut down the Harlow attacks impressively in the middle of the park, linking defence and attack well.

This proved to be the case for the fourth goal as Edmunds jinked this way and that before converting for herself.

Jodie Linge kept S&B’s clean sheet intact with a fine defensive clearance before S&B scored their final goal of the afternoon.

The irrepressible Edmunds claimed her third assist after playing in Conway.

l S&B IIs were also triumphant – winning 4-0 at home against second-placed Witham II.

Isabelle Williams, Anna Winfield, Claire King and Stacey Chandler scored the goals to ensure S&B won their seventh match in eight and closed the gap on third and fourth-placed Witham and East London.

However, they will need to win all their remaining fixtures to have any chance of promotion.

l S&B IIIs were winners at Upminster’s fifth team with Felicity Galbally grabbing both goals.