Essex Women’s League – Premier Division
Sunday 7th October – 2pm KO
Venue: Len Forge Centre (Grass Pitch)
2018-19 Season: Match 20
Southend: Navy Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts & Navy Blue Socks
Hullbridge: Yellow & Black Shirts, Black Shirts, Yellow Socks
Valiant Hullbridge test Blues at the Len Forge
Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]
Southend Utd welcomed Hullbridge Sports in this local derby in the Essex Women’s League Premier Division encounter. The Blues defeated the a ‘Bridge outfit that was ‘against the odds’ right from the kick-off. The visitors showed no lack of character and tenacity to restrict the hosts though they went ahead on 17 minutes thanks to a delicate chip which just escaped the fingertips of the ‘Bridge ‘keeper.
Hullbridge did create a few half-chances, skipper Danielle Dorrington heading wide from Megan Marney’s corner right on the stroke of half-time.
Half-Time: Southend Utd 1 – 0 Hullbridge Sports
After the break, the visitors started to tire understandably though the hosts’ pace down the channels also told and good goals on the hour mark and seven minutes afterward with the first of those coming being Ria Toovey’s first of the match. That gave Southend some breathing room though ‘Bridge rallied and Marney’s oppurtunistic lob on 68 minutes after a defensive mishap and Molly Johnson’s headed 79th-minute goal gave the hosts a few nervy moments as Hullbridge believed they could snatch an equaliser.
In the latter stages though, Utd struck again as Toovey blasted home on 83 minutes when one-on-one to seal the points.
Full-Time: Southend Utd 4 – 2 Hullbridge Sports
All in all, Hullbridge showed glimpses of why they won the Division One title last season and they should be proud of their efforts here. The Blues are more than useful side as well and I wouldn’t be that surprised if both sides have a decent season.
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survivor16b 