BENFLEET began life in the Essex Senior League with a 1-0 defeat to Woodford Town on Saturday.

Khalil Kirwan-Mead bagged the only goal of the game for the visitors 13 minutes from time at the Woodside Stadium.

But Benfleet chairman Dan Wright felt the hosts were unfortunate to end their big day empty handed.

“We were pretty unlucky in the end I would say although I’m obviously pretty biased,” said Wright.

“We played well and were the better team for probably two thirds of the game but we just didn’t take our chances and gave away a sloppy goal.

“But against what is in theory the best team left in that league we gave a really good account of ourselves and more importantly it was a really good community day.

“It was so well attended and we had more than 200 people through the gate which is amazing.

“It was an incredible turn out from the Benfleet locals, we gave a decent account of ourselves and hopefully they’ll come back.

“We’re really looking forward to going again on Tuesday night against Ilford.”

Woodford triumphed despite having James Jewers sent off just before the break while both sides were shown red cards in stoppage time at the end of the match with Benfleet’s Frankie Stone being dismissed alongside the visitors’ Mike Agboola.