ZOE Rushen felt C&K Basildon Ladies fully deserved their 3-2 defeat against Lewes.

Rushen bagged a second half spot-kick in Sunday’s reverse at Canvey Island’s Frost Financial Stadium.

But it wasn’t enough to stop a below-par Basildon suffering a disappointing setback.

“It’s extremely frustrating to lose a game that we ideally wanted to gain points from but more importantly we wanted a better performance,” said Rushen, who has now scored six times this term.

“If I’m being honest it was a poor game of football from both teams at times.

“But, all in all the result was probably fair as we didn’t do enough to win.”

And Rushen insisted the side were also left frustrated by the manner of the goals they conceded.

“We are disappointed to let in three goals from set pieces, something that is normally a strong part of the game for us,” said Rushen, who has played in both midfield and up front this season.

“We were a little disjointed and it may take a bit more time to grow together as a team with new players coming in.

“But once again we never gave up and hopefully it’s going to be exciting when things start falling into place again.”

Lewes took the lead in the 23rd minute with a near post corner that was headed in by Cherelle Khassal.

But, Basildon quickly equalised when Claire Lacey headed in Amy Nash’s corner just nine minutes later.

Lewes came close to retaking the lead in the 56th minute when a shot from the edge of the penalty area took a big deflection off of a Basildon leg before rolling just wide of the post.

But, from the resulting corner, Paige Walder headed Lewes ahead with another near post header.

The visitors went further ahead four minutes later when Natasha Wells volleyed in at the far post after another corner was flicked on at the near post.

Basildon hit back with Rushden converting a penalty in the 73rd minute but they were unable to conjure up a late equaliser.

C&K Basildon: Rowlands, Duchar-Clark, Stephanou, Lacey, Porter, Little, Mellors (Xidhas), Rushen, Stimson, Smith (Rodney) and Nash. Unused subs: Blowers, Carty and Dunsden.

 

 

C&K Basildon Ladies managing director Peter King has backed the club’s four new signings to make a big impact after signing from West Ham United.

Former Hammers captain Stacey Little linked up with the club last week as well as three of her team-mates. Kayleigh Xidhas, Kerry Stimson and Lily Mellors have also joined C&K and King says the team can only improve following their move from C&K’s Women’s Premier League Southern Division rivals.

“They are class players,” said King. “You don’t have girls that have come from West Ham that aren’t good players and these are very exciting signings for us.

“I was watching Stacey in training the other day and you don’t need to know a lot about football to recognise her talent. It was very impressive.

“Kayleigh was with us for a short spell a year ago but went to West Ham. She has come here and looks a much better player for her time there so that is very encouraging.

“Lily scored on her debut and has settled in very well and Kerry has really impressed me. She is a central midfielder but looks a very accomplished right back as well.”