The combined age of The Southend defensive short corner team totalled a staggering 300 years, compared to the 98 of the five OL attackers. But it was not enough to prevent another defeat.

The sun shone brightly on the blue pitch of Old Loughts, making the Southend boys totally invisible.
This was useful when the back three of Allen, Watson and Bedini stealthily pounced on the attacking players and robbed them of the ball at crucial moments.
Bedini was particularly good at this and like a Spitfire Ace, popping out of the sun, he thwarted many a strong attack and earn himself the man of the match award.

Old Loughts dominated the first half and passed the ball around neatly. Their constant pressure began to be overwhelming, but The Mighty Spartans dug deep and with sapping energy, managed to get to half time without conceding.

With no substitutes, the SHC’s favourite team fought well together. Fordham and Tomey both worked hard together down the left flank and created opportunities.
One such opportunity saw Tomey drive the ball down the wing, skinning several Loughts players, before squaring the ball to Fordham.
Fordham controlled the ball, jinked to the left, causing his opponent to step the other way, and in the gap he created, he slotted the ball to a waiting Walsh in the D, who squeezed the ball, just, in between the keeper and the post. 1 - 0!

Bisgrove and Shute had been running every square inch of the midfield and had disrupted many attacks. But no sooner had Southend taken the lead, Loughts scored two in reply, literally within two minutes of the restart.

Hallett continued to make good saves after this, as he had done throughout the first half and was disappointed that he was unable to keep a clean sheet.

McPhee worked hard on the right, as did Hallett the younger and both created chances for The Seasiders to equalise, but sadly the final ball couldn’t get past the experienced Lought’s keeper.

The one travelling supporter allowed at this match encouraged heartily from the M11 stand and was ecstatic when Bedini saved one on the line in the final minute to keep The Cockle Pickers chances alive.

A good team performance, with many highlights. The boys deserved something out of the game, but today wasn’t their day.
They return to play the Loughts 6s next Saturday. Hopefully playing today will give them an edge on their opponents who spent their day shopping for new pants.