Nerves were jangling for the first game in the new season for BOEHC in their second year in the East league, having lost the last pre-season friendly to Sevenoaks. Southend and Benfleet were raring to go, having just come up into the league. Supporter numbers this season have been swelled massively by the BOEHC under 1s development squad and their parents. The first few minutes were tense with Southend camped in BOEHC's left corner. However some lovely defensive triangle work from Sally, Kathryn and Jen settled the nerves and the team gelled. Maybe it was all those matching socks.... In an evenly matched first half, BOEHC had some good attacks culminating in an amazing dive towards goal by Sue to try to get on the end of a lovely cross from Karen. Sadly the ball just evaded her stick but the forwards continued to work well together. Vicky released a vicious strike and Karen was ready on the keeper's pads to tap the rebound in, but it didn't quite go to plan! She did receive a vote for MOM for Southend for the save though!

Southend nicked a few short corners but Blackheath were firm in defence with Sally quick out to the top and Ceri calmingly clearing the ball. Rachael and Emma had a fantastic break forward but were denied by the petite Southend keeper somehow.

Second half saw BOEHC pile the pressure on Southend. Banksy worked hard up and down the right, releasing lovely passes up to Karen and Emma up front. Biggsie's short corner strike sneaked over the line but was not seen by the umpire so it stayed at 0-0. Finally BOEHC broke the deadlock with a lovely tap in from Jenna, off a reverse (new) stick from Jilly. It remained 1-0 as BOEHC hung on to the bitter end. This was despite an attempt to provide some excitement in the last minute when Sarah MB had to come off her line to clear the ball from Southend's most dangerous forward, who had broken through on goal.

A great start to the new season despite several bruises collected enroute. Stick with the purple notebook Rich!