Redbridge welcomed beck ex manager Dean Holdsworth and his new side Chelmsford City produced a game of top quality at the Oakside.

Chelmsford, the higher ranked team of the two, showed their superiority in the early stages of the game, keeping the ball well and threatening the Redbridge goal. In the Tenth minute their dominance paid off when converting from a set piece.

The goal seemed to kick some life into Redbridge. They started to see more of the ball and in the 26th minute they found their equaliser. Jason Fontaine beating the offside trap and providing the perfectly weighted ball for Aaron Matthews to apply the finish. That was Matthews’ Third Pre-season goal.

The rest of the first half was end to end football with both teams going close. Redbridge had a lot to thank their keeper for as he produced an outstanding save after brilliant piece of football from the Chelmsford front three.

The Second half started pretty much the same as the first half ended. Both teams trying to find a way through. It was Redbridge who took the lead. This time Jack Wilson was provider and Danny Tenkorang applied the final touch.

Having taken the lead, Redbridge had now become the dominant side. It seemed they Had Chelmsford rattled a little. Then on the 62nd minute Connor Orus found himself clear in on goal and tucked the ball away calmly to Redbridge a deserved two goal cushion.

It was now Chelmsford’s turn to find a way back in the game. They reduced the deficit just three minutes later, although at the other end just a couple of seconds earlier the Motormen had a wonderful opportunity wasted to make it 4-1.

Chelmsford were now asking the questions of Redbridge and two goals in the space of five minutes made sure the Blue square bet side were Victorious.

Redbridge mangers Dave Ross and Ricky Eaton were both extremely pleased with the effort their team put in. Ross was particularly pleased with his side going forward saying, “We looked dangerous on the attack and maybe should’ve even scored a few more and won the game”. Ricky Eaton said, “Considering we were playing a team from a couple of divisions higher I thought we held our own.” He added, “I thought a draw would’ve been a justified result”

Clarets manager Holdsworth was also full of praise for Redbridge saying “they were a very lively bunch and stayed in the game throughout”. On his sides performance he went on to say “It was a great exercise for us. Coming back to Redbridge is great for me personally and I’m pleased with performance of the lads. We made it a bit difficult for ourselves at times but overall it was a strong display”.

Match Report by Ridhwaan Yusuf