Hertfordshire FA women played Essex FA in their final home game of the season, looking for their first win in the Southern Counties Cup Competition.

Essex, who began the game sitting in fourth place in the league table, were the quicker team out of the blocks at the beginning of the game.

The visitors had a good chance on the ten minute mark, with the ball fired across the danger area, but skewed over the bar from the Essex attacker.

However, two minutes later Essex did have the ball in the net, Courtney Clarke finished off a tricky run exquisitely after giving the Hertfordshire defence problems since kick-off.

Ten minutes later Essex doubled their lead, another superb goal courtesy of Sophie Vale who cleverly floated the ball into the top corner from 25 yards out as Yasmin Walford looked on hopelessly.

Soon after Hertfordshire had their best chance of the half, Charlotte Grogan playing an almost inch-perfect ball over the Essex defence – but it was just too far in front Jess McNamara to get in under control.

On the 37^th minute, Essex made it three-nil with Georgia Box showcasing a great piece of skill to chip the ball over Walford.

A minute later though, Walford pulled off a great double save to deny Essex a fourth, just about keeping Hertfordshire in the game.

On the stroke of half-time the game was beyond the Hosts’ reach after two goals in quick succession from Essex, Cowley coming off the bench and netting almost instantly and Charlotte Bryant also getting herself on the score sheet after connecting well from a corner.

Nicola Hollick had a chance to pull one back for Hertfordshire five minutes into the first-half, but had her shot saved impressively by Robyn Strauss.

Essex grabbed a sixth in the 65^th minute and after a fairly quiet half, recorded their seventh with ten minutes on the clock.

With the Hertfordshire Ladies yet to record a point so far this season after three games, they’ll be looking to turn their luck around when they travel to Aldershot to face The Army FA at the end of February.