Ladies1's back on top of Essex Premier

Havering Ladies travelled to top of the table Southend and Benfleet knowing nothing but a win would suffice. It proved to be a battling game and Southend and Benfleet took the lead early on in the game. Havering kept going and applied plenty of pressure, seeing several penalty corners going astray but persistence paid off as just on half time Amelia Acreman's pass found Catherine Semon who drove past 2 defenders and slipped the ball to Emma Isherwood who fired in a shot that flew in off the keeper's pads to equalise. The second half saw Southend and Benfleet take the lead again but Havering fought back and their efforts were rewarded when Acreman passed the ball to Lauren Earle who thumped a fantastic strike from the top of the circle to equalise. Strong defending from Steph Prowse, Monica Dubb, Wendy Schofield and birthday girl Sue Harwood kept out several Southend attacks with Sophie McCoy making some excellent saves on the few occasions they did get a shot away. Emily Gilkes-Tarsey almost put Havering ahead but her reverse shot went just wide. With Harwood, Earle and Rhiannon Goulden making good runs down the wings and being well supported by Semon, Chris Noller and Vicky Lynch in midfield Havering continued to press for the winner. With just 7 minutes to go Havering took the lead through a penalty corner, Semon's initial strike was saved but Lynch was on hand to bundle the rebound over and score what proved to be the decisive goal. Havering will be pleased to have shown the grit and determination that had been missing in the previous 2 games to come from behind twice and secure a vital victory.