The Essex FA report that first-half goals from Courtney Clarke and Vicky Kinsman had given Kim Coster’s side the incentive at half time before Lynsey Bowman lobbed home a third to complete victory as Coster marked the end of her tenth season in charge with a chance of completing the season as runners-up.
Should Essex finish the season in second place it will mirror the county’s first campaign under Billericay Town boss Coster in 2007/08. And, although the competition has sadly dropped from seven to four entrants in that time, its competitive nature hasn’t diminished and Essex had to carve out a fine performance to see off the challenge of Herts.
The home county grabbed the lead on 11 minutes as Clarke’s cross-cum-shot from the left flank dropped into the far corner. Seven minutes later the lead was doubled. Kinsman excellently lobbed former Essex goalkeeper, and the county’s record appearance holder, Michelle Bridgeman from 18 yards.
A first opening for Hertfordshire saw Sarah Payne find herself through on goal only to be denied by Essex ‘keeper Layla Prior before the hosts came close to a third, Lindsey Morgan dropping a shot onto the roof of the net. Morgan then turned provider for Clarke, with the latter stabbing inches wide of the post after a flick-on.
The last chance of the half saw Morgan slide a shot into the side netting then, after the break, Bridgeman made a good stop to deny Kinsman prior to repeating the trick by smothering Abigail Fry’s dipping, long-range effort.
It was the turn of Essex ‘keeper Prior to make a save from Bilge Taspinar following Hayley Wood-Thompson’s swinging free kick but, with 4 minutes remaining, Essex wrapped-up the win. Bowman found space before lofting a brilliant finish into the far corner.
Essex: Layla Prior (Brentwood Town), Charlotte Twydell (Brentwood Town), Charlotte Bryant (Writtle), Sasha McDonald (Colchester Town), Abigail Fry (Writtle), Kira Fitzpatrick (Colchester Town), Katie Whitehead (Billericay Town), Lindsey Morgan (Billericay Town), Vicky Kinsman (Billericay Town), Hayley Piggott (Billericay Town), Courtney Clarke (Writtle). Substitutes (repeated): Miagh Downey (Colchester Town), Lynsey Bowman (Silver End United), Niamh Gamble (Writtle), Lucy Jones (Writtle), Nicole Farmer (Billericay Town).
Hertfordshire: Michelle Bridgeman (Hertford Town), Bilge Taspinar (Hertford Town), Lorna Gover (Hemel Hempstead Town), Heidi Sinclair (Enfield Town), Sian Owens (Enfield Town), Molly Johnson (Kings Langley), Amy Josland (Stevenage), Sarah Payne (Stevenage), Hayley Wood-Thompson (Stevenage), Cara Breckenbridge (Stevenage), Becki Dai (Stevenage). Substitutes (repeated): Erin Davies (AFC Dunstable).
Photo – essexfa.com
