A BRACE from Hayley Froment gave Basildon a hard-earned win over Gillingham Anchorians.

The result left Basildon seventh in the East 2SE table.

Basildon restricted Anchorians the chance to a few breaks and any danger was easily snuffed out by Danielle Austin or Nic Hull, leaving keeper Lisa Ballard with only a few saves to make.

Sarah Windmill and Claire Montano controlled the play but had to be patient in waiting for the opener which came when Froment finished following a goalmouth scramble.

Basildon wasted several good opportunities in a second half they dominated before a perfectly placed pass from Kaylea Howard allowed Froment to score her second.

Basildon are next away to Gore Court on Saturday.

In East 1S, SOUTHEND lost 2-1 at home to Colchester.

And in Essex One, OLD SOUTHENDIAN had a goalless stalemate at home to Old Loughtonians VI.

There was another crushing win for Essex Four leaders SOUTHEND & BENFLEET as they ran out 10-1 winners at Maldon & Little Baddow III.

The Seasiders made early in-roads into the Maldon D and took the lead through Claire King (2) before Nicola Bryant added a second with a reverse stick deflection.

Maldon responded well and were rewarded with a goal — only the second conceded by S&B this season.

But the visitors reasserted their dominance with a further strikes from Lesley Tonking who then went on to set up another for Amanda Revell.

And, with Fiona Regan keeping things tight at the back, and Anne Johnson in midfield, they wrapped up the win with further goals from Amy Sullivan, two more from the outstanding Bryant, and two from the skipper Claire King following excellent approach play.

S&B are at home to Phoenix III on Saturday.

>To get details of your matches included in our hockey round-up, please send in match reports to james.colasanti@nqe.com.