SOUTHEND & Benfleet were unlucky losers against Chelmsford thirds, as they went down 1-0.

The match was an even encounter although S&B needed Lisa Hawkins to make several important saves to keep it 0-0 at the break.

The only goal came from a penalty corner, despite Hawkins’ best efforts to keep the ball out.

A tireless work in defence from youngster Natasha Cheeseman earned her player of the match.

S&B seconds were 7-1 winners against Thurrock thirds, with Claire King, Lora Sharples and Jo Hall all scoring braces. Anna Winfield got the other goal.

King opened the scoring with a trademark strike before Winfield skilfully jabbed a stray ball on the goal line past the keeper.

Louise Marsack once again controlled the midfield and set up chance after chance, with Sharples finishing off a shot that pin-balled in the area.

After the break, player of the match Hall nicked the ball from a Thurrock defender on the 25 yard line, ran it into the D and struck from the edge to get her first goal of the season.

Thurrock got a consolation only for Hall to grab a second before King and Sharples completed their braces.

The thirds were 2-0 winners over Upminster sixths, as Chloe King and Aimee Cole struck the decisive goals.

Cole and King combined to open the scoring, as player of the match Sadie Hunt orchestrated things from the back.

Four minutes from time Cole scored make the game safe.

Southend & Benfleet played their first indoor match of the season at the Brentwood Centre.

Team newcomer Kirsty Durban started the goal deluge against Bishop’s Stortford in the first match and further goals from captain Naomi Barker and Caitlin Meredith meant the S&B team finished on a 9-1 win.

The second match of the night was against East London, with Lisa Hawkins in goal with Michelle Arnold, Nina Coleman and Adele Cole rotating in defence S&B ran out 2-0 winners and Barker said: “I couldn’t have asked more from the team, what a fantastic start to the indoor season, I am a happy captain.”