BENFLEET suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Stansted at the Woodside Stadium on Tuesday night.

The visitors raced into a 3-0 lead after being gifted goals by their hosts before the impressive Max Jobson netted a late consolation for Lee Scott's side.

But Benfleet chairman Dan Wright remained upbeat and was boosted by seeing 206 fans watching the Essex Senior League clash.

"It was another unbelievable turnout from the Benfleet locals as we recorded the highest attendance in the league for our second midweek home game in a row, which is just amazing for our little football club," said Wright.

"Unfortunately on the pitch it was off night for us.

"It’s so unlike us to give away the goals we did and after going 3-0 down in the first half hour we just gave ourselves too big a mountain to climb in the second half."

However, Wright remains incredibly proud of the progress being made.

"A bad day at the office shouldn’t distract too much from what has been the most incredible year on and off the pitch," said Wright.

"I'm so proud of the boys for everything they’ve achieved this year.

"We’ve more than held our own in our first few games at Step 5 and we can’t wait to go again at Clacton on Saturday."

Benfleet are now 11th in the table.