A LATE goal broke Southend & Benfleet hearts in their top-of-the-table clash with Havering.

The two teams went into the game locked level on points in the Essex Premier League.

S&B knew a win on their home pitch would create some daylight between themselves and their visitors and twice they got themselves in front.

But twice Havering pegged them back and then struck late on to win the game 3-2.

The start was delayed due to standing water on the pitch at King Edmund School, but S&B made sure it wasn’t them who were caught cold when the action did begin.

They started strongly before Havering came back into the game and put pressure on Hayley Middleton and Jodie Linge at the back.

The hosts made the breakthrough midway through the first half when Caitlin Meredith stepped up to take a long corner. Sarah Conway then slipped the ball into the D to find Ashlie Colman who beat the goalie to give S&B a 1-0 lead.

Things got heated and after a few wayward sticks and some fraught words later S&B’s goal scorer Colman was carded, along with the Havering captain.

Despite this, S&B defended the lead until the very end of the half when a long series of short corners, though expertly defended by captain Rachel Jeffery and even with some brilliant saves by goalie Lisa Hawkins, Havering eventually scored making the score 1-1 at the break.

When play resumed, Kirsty Edmunds took the game to the opposition, sprinting forward and pulling the ball back for Sarah Conway who smashed her way onto the scoresheet to give S&B the lead back.

The Havering captain was again called up for shoulder barging and given a second green card.

The Seasiders had the run of the match for a time but Havering rallied to turn the tables on the hosts.

Adele Cole and Nicola Coleman fought off the constant assaults from the visitors as they tried to force their way down the left wing but Havering’s unusual line-up caught S&B off guard and they managed to level the score from a short corner.

Havering then completed the turn-around when, after a counter-attack late into the second half, S&B were stunned as a cracking shot pushed Havering in front three goals to two before the final whistle.

Player of the match was awarded to Jodie Linge.

* Southend & Benfleet’s second team drew 1-1 with Brentwood’s fourth team.

Brentwood broke the deadlock midway through the first half but, shortly before half time, Anna Winfield managed to get the much-needed equaliser with a great goal from the narrowest of angles.

S&B started the second half determined to get all three points, but despite more short corners, lots of attacking play and coming agonisingly close, they couldn’t get the illusive winning goal. Brentwood had chances too, with keeper Carly Winfield pulling off some impressive saves, but the game finished 1-1.

* Southend & Benfleet’s third team had a fantastic week, beating East London VI 6-1.

Felicity Galbally and Isabelle Williams got two goals apiece and sisters Aimee and Lily Cole chipped in with a goal each.