SOUTHEND & Benfleet thrashed Brentwood’s second team 9-1, thanks to five-star display from Sarah Conway.

The two teams were promoted into the Essex Premier Division alongside each other last season.

But Conway’s five goals helped Southend prove there is a gulf in class between the sides.

Ashlie Coleman added the other four goals to complete a comprehensive victory.

Conway opened the floodgates as she bagged herself a first half hat-trick.

One of the goals came from a penalty flick, awarded after the Brentwood goalkeeper illegally blocked the Southend attacker from the ball.

Coleman also slipped the ball into the back of the goal twice to take the score to an impressive 5-0 before half time.

Despite the score, Brentwood came back on the pitch with a renewed vigour and were rewarded for their efforts as a defection from a short corner bagged them a consolation goal.

However, great teamwork by Adele Cole and Nicola Bryant in midfield saw the Brentwood attacks cut short and turned back on the visitors as Coleman weaved through the Brentwood defenders time and again to take on the goalie and bag herself another two goals.

Not to be outdone, Conway followed suit with another two of her own late in the game, as she pounced on a rebound after a shot hit the post before tapping home after good work from player of the match Caitlin Meredith.

l Lesley Tonking bagged a hat-trick to help Southend & Benfleet’s second side win 4-0 at Redbridge & Ilford seconds.

Lora Sharples was also on target for Southend.

l Southend & Benfleet’s third team triumphed 3-1 at Witham Thirds.

The keeper-less side went 1-0 down in the first, but hit back after the break with Chloe King on target.

Hannah Daish then bagged a brace to make sure of victory for her side.

Captain Claire Sutton was voted player of the match for her many skilful and brave saves on the goal line.

The win puts the team second in division five behind leaders East London on goal difference.