BHC Ladies 1s - Match Report, Saturday 26th October 2013

BHC Ladies 1s - Match Report, Saturday 26th October 2013

Southend 2 - 2 Brentwood

Brentwood travelled to Sweyne Park in Rayleigh on Saturday to play long time local rivals Southend for what they knew would be a tough encounter. Indeed it was the home team who started the stronger and put Brentwood under sustained pressure for the first 15-20 minutes. However, with player of the match Sandy Pass and the whole team putting in a strong defensive performance Southend made little penetration into the visitors circle. Slowly Brentwood got into their stride and the away team continually passed the ball around the Southend team with ease and it was the away team who scored first. After a series of good saves by the Southend keeper and hitting the post, Brentwood finally found the back of the net when Charlotte Holt was quick to react to slot the ball home after a goalmouth scramble.

Shortly before the half time break Southend were awarded a penalty corner. After the initial high shot was blocked by Parsons the rebound found it's way over the goal line following a fortunate deflection off the Southend forward and the score was tied at half time. After encouraging words from stand in coach Phil Wright and Captain Emily, Brentwood started the second half the stronger of the two teams with every player working hard. Southend had very little reply to Brentwood's passing play and the away team dominated possession. Southend, frustrated for large portions of the second half, repeatedly tried to disrupt and breakdown play but Brentwood let the ball do the talking and a passing move up the left found Holt in acres of space in the middle. Holt then played provider as she slotted the ball between the Southend defenders to Bev Simmons who passed the ball under the advancing goalkeeper to give Brentwood a deserved lead.

Following the re-start the game became increasingly physical and scrappy as a result. In the dying seconds of the game Southend's persistence paid off as a powerful run resulted in a goal which earned Southend a share of the points. Although Brentwood maintained their 2nd place in the league, they will need to pick themselves up and nurse the bruises ahead of Saturday when they will host the league leaders Waltham Forest at Becket Keys School at 12.30pm.