SOUTHEND & Benfleet’s first team were unable to get the better of Gore Court as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat on home soil.

They struggled against a strong side, especially after goalkeeper Lisa Hawkins had to go off injured with a pulled hamstring early on.

Jodie Linge stepped in between the sticks, earning herself player of the match, but she couldn’t stop the onslaught as Gore Court put three past the home side. Caitlin Meredith also suffered a suspected broken finger.

Ashlie Bolton kept S&B’s hopes alive with a goal but ultimately the visitors were too strong.

It was also defeat for the seconds as Braintree’s second string edged a one-goal match in what was S&B’s first defeat of the season.

In the first-half, both sides had chances and short corners but neither could convert.

Felicity Galbally, playing on her 15th birthday, put in another impressive performance although had to go off shortly before half-time after picking up an injury.

But Galbally wasn’t off for long and, on her return, she combined well with Anna Winfield down the right.

S&B had shots on goal and several short corners but could not find their way past the hosts shot stopper.

The defence of Anne Johnson, Michelle Arnold, Claire Sutton and Rebecca Utton had one of their busiest games and certainly kept the seconds in the game, but the goal proved to be elusive.

The player of the match was shared between captain Kerry Payton, Anna Hudson and goalkeeper Katie Keppel.

The thirds drew 2-2 with table-topping Chelmsford’s sixth side.

This was one of the tougher games for the young side and they did well to take a point, with both goals coming from captain Claire King.

Jenny Brooks impressed, with Nicole Rutter named player of the match.