Southend 1 Colchester 3

Division 1S

Southend 1 Colchester 3

Colchester produced one of their best all round team performances to beat local rivals Southend on Saturday.

Colchester were sharp from the off, pressurising every Southend player and forcing early mistakes from the home side. Colchester worked well as a unit and this pressure paid off with numerous chances falling to them in the opening stages of the game. The visitors knew this early pressure wouldn't count for anything unless they scored a goal and it wasn't until late on in the first half that they finally managed to take the lead from a rebound off the keeper where Louise Bibby was on hand to score from close range.

Colchester started the second half as they had the first and were desperate to get the second goal which would give them the cushion they needed. The goal came early on from a penalty corner struck powerfully into the corner by Louise Bibby.

Delighted by the breakthrough Colchester pushed hard again and minutes later Bibby's free hit into the 'D' was met by Terri Chiam who struck the ball past the keeper for a deserved goal and a 3-0 lead.

The visitor's could have scored further with Lucy Struth going close, but it was Southend who had the final say with a breakaway goal late on in the match.

Colchester finished comfortable winners and move up to fourth in the table.