ZOE Rushen is confident that C&K Basildon Ladies can retain their Essex County Cup crown after booking their place in the final.

Steve Tilson’s side claimed a comfortable 9-0 win over Little Thurrock Dynamos in the semi-finals, and will be looking to win the competition for a record-equalling fifth time.

And Rushen is hopeful of lifting the trophy once again, having led the club to a fourth successive Essex County Cup final.

The C&K Basildon skipper said: “I think we’re confident going into the final.

“However, we’re also very aware that anything can happen, and that’s the beauty of cup games, but we will be ready and up for the challenge that the final brings us.

“After a string of tough league games, it would feel amazing to reward the girls and the club by lifting the trophy.

“It’s always a proud moment for me to play in a cup final and a great occasion for friends and families.

“It would be great if we could have the younger teams there and hopefully celebrating with us this year, but we have some hard work to do first.”

C&K Basildon will take on Brentwood Town - who saw off Writtle in a penalty shoot-out following their 2-2 semi-final draw - for the chance to claim county bragging rights in the women’s game, with the final being held at Aveley’s Parkside on Thursday, March 29.

And it was Rushen who gave the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division table-toppers a 10th minute lead at Little Thurrock Dynamos, as she converted Karissa Rodney’s cross.

Rushen, Jay Blackie and Paige Wakefield were all denied by the home goalkeeper, as C&K Basildon went in at the break with a slender advantage.

However, the visitors doubled their lead just three minutes after the interval as Therese Addison headed home a Rushen free-kick.

Blackie found the back of the net on the hour mark, before she added another two goals to complete a second half hat-trick.

A foul on Addison resulted in the referee pointing to the penalty spot, but Rushen’s 12-yard effort struck the crossbar.

Blackie then hit the post as C&K Basildon’s relentless pressure continued, while an April Bowers strike crashed against the woodwork.

But Bowers begun a late scoring blitz as she scored the first of four goals in the final 10 minutes.

Rushen completed her brace, along with Addison, while Blackie completed the scoring by notching her fourth goal of the encounter.

And Rushen was delighted to play her part in the high-scoring clash.

“I was very pleased to play a key part in the win,” added Rushen.

“It was important that we got a good result against a determined team.

“I’m always pleased to get assists in games and even more pleased to score a couple, despite the penalty miss.”