BASILDON extended their lead at the top of the South East Combination League to six points as they recorded their sixth successive victory, beating Ebbsfleet United 2-0.

Claire Lacey had already seen her header from a corner saved on the line after five minutes, before Basildon took the lead seven minutes later.

Carly Eagles won the ball in midfield before releasing Zoe Rushen, whose diagonal ball split the Ebbsfleet defence open and Charlie Dolby shot past the Ebbsfleet goalkeeper.

The Kent side then had the chance to draw level on 24 minutes when their forward found space on the edge of the Basildon penalty area but her shot hit the post and the Basildon defence cleared the danger.

Basildon then also went close on 49 minutes when Nicole Farmer’s cross took a deflection and Jenny Brown-Wealls picked up the loose ball and sent in a 25-yard shot that just went over the crossbar.

However, Basildon’s second goal arrived on 61 minutes when a long goal kick by Mel Kinsalla was flicked on by Rushen and Nicola Carty was first to the loose ball and sent a delicate chip over the Ebbsfleet goalkeeper. Ebbsfleet mounted a late rally to try and salvage a point, but the Basildon defence held firm to record their second away win of the campaign.

l Basildon’s reserve team entertained Hutton for the second weekend running.

And, after winning 4-0 last week, they went one better and won 5-0 this time around to establish a four-point lead at the top of the Eastern Region Division One South.

Paida Dezka led the way with two goals and the others came from Bobbi Cubberley, Lauren Knight and Ash Debnam.