An excellent second half saw Essex Women fight back to defeat the Army at Parkside, proving to be a perfect start for new boss Howard Mackler as goals after the break from Daisy Canny, Whitney Locke and Laura Bunton sealed a 4-2 win.

Essex had led early in the first half through Nicole Farmer’s penalty, but the Army hit back to lead at the break through two quick-fire Izzy Crooks strikes.

An Essex side with seven debutants in the squad edged ahead on 14 minutes. Striker Canny was brought down by Army goalkeeper Nikki O’Donnell and Farmer converted the resulting spot kick. But it was the Army who enjoyed much of the better of the first period as they looked to level the contest.

A dipping free kick from Anna Birtwhistle was well held by Essex ‘keeper Emily Mackler before a brilliant long-range effort from Crooks brought an equally fine save from stopper Mackler, who tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The Army levelled on 44 minutes. This time Crooks found the top right-hand corner from distance. Then, two minutes into first-half stoppage time, the visitors were ahead with Crooks again finding the target as her 20-yard effort dipped just under the bar.

Essex started the second half brightly as Bunton’s effort was well stopped by O’Donnell low to her right. But, with still only 52 minutes on the clock, the hosts were back on terms as Bunton’s through ball found Canny, who drove past the ‘keeper before slotting home.

Army ‘keeper O’Donnell then held onto a fierce Bunton before the turnaround was complete on 62 minutes. A defensive slip let in Locke, and the winger sprinted into the box and finished inside the near post.

A fine save from Essex ‘keeper Mackler maintained her side’s advantage as she kept out Courtney Jones’ close-range header before the points were sealed on 78 minutes. A slip from the Army’s substitute goalkeeper, Nicole Gair, allowed Bunton to slide the ball into an open net.

Essex could’ve bagged a fifth in the dying stages as Bunton squared the ball across goal, but Canny stabbed just wide at the far post.

Essex: Emily Mackler (Southminster United), Lauren Butcher (Chelmsford City), Kaci Crook (Chelmsford City), Nicole Farmer (Luton Town), Niamh Gamble (Colchester United), Daisy Canny (Hutton), Lindsey Morgan (Colchester United), Laura Bunton (Barking), Darcy Drewitt (Bowers & Pitsea), Charlotte Bryant (Lawford), Whitney Locke (Bowers & Pitsea). Substitutes: Kirsten Lane (Toby), Abi Clarke (Hutton), Emily Glensman (Hashtag United), Olivia Harris (Bowers & Pitsea), Amy Yeldham (Southminster United).

Army: Nikki O’Donnell, Rebecca Mason, Tara Parker, Courtney Jones, Amber Marsh, Indiana Totty, Hannah Knapton, Anna Birtwhistle, Krissy Wright, Izzy Crooks, Jess McAuley. Substitutes: Casino Jubb, Roxy Williams, Lucie Waddon, Demi Allen, Nicole Gair.