Folkestone Optimists Ladies Hockey Club 1st team maintained their impressive start to the new year by claiming their third East League Division 1 South win in a row against Southend at the Academy.

Despite absorbing a lot of pressure in the first 20 minutes, the home side eventually cracked, allowing their visitors to take the lead.

The response was almost immediate as captain Jo Creek fed Janet Fadagio, who in turn slotted past the Southend keeper to level the scores.

Fadagio then doubled her tally to give Folkestone their first lead of the day, as Creek and Polly Wittleton combined to set up the chance.

Southend came back at their hosts in the second half, but Folkestone held firm, and finally added a third with five minutes to go as Lucy Anderson’s shot from a short corner deflected into the net.

Wapping lie in wait for the ladies this Saturday.