Redbridge entertained Southend Manor as they looked to get back to winning ways after their recent good form had suffered a recent set back with two defeats from their last two matches.

Before kickoff Redbridge midfielder Joe Gent was presented with a trophy by chairman Ricky Eaton to commemorate him playing his 100th match on Saturday against Stansted and as reward was handed the captains armband for the evening.

The first chance of the game fell to the away side when a dangerous cross was swung in finding the unmarked Ross Gleed but he was unable to connect and the ball rolled away for a goal kick.

The first effort of any note for the home side was only a half chance from Sean Kettle which flew over the bar.

The away side were on top and took a deserved lead after 23 mins when ex Motorman Callum Ibe reacted quickest from close range after Redbridge keeper Jake Mernagh had dropped the ball although shouts from the home bench suggested he had possibly been fouled but they were ignored by the officials and the goal was allowed to stand .

A long range effort from Callum Jex was then comfortably held by Mernagh before a chance for Redbridge came when a cross was swept in from the lively Reside Coxi-Sebastfao into the path of Lee Weemes who got a foot to the ball and although goalkeeper Ben Kent made the save the rebound bounced against him and onto the post before fortunately coming back into his arms.

As half time loomed the Motormen found an equaliser through Jacob Dingli who allowed to turn and shoot into the back of the net.
The goal gave Redbridge confidence as they pushed forward looking to go in front as they ended the half strongly.

A good start from the home side to the 2nd period however the game was halted for several minutes after injury to Redbridge debutant Bryan Kungiu who had to be replaced by Terrell Miller.

Redbridge then took the lead on 59 mins when Dingli was on hand to score his second of the match.

A Weemes lobbed effort almost made it three as Kent was beaten but the ball came back off the crossbar.

Poor defending from Southend then saw the ball given away to Gent who squared to Dingli but his shot went agonisingly wide.
A good chance for Manor when a dangerous free kick from another former ex player Vinny Murphy floated wide.

Then came good chances at both ends, firstly with Ibe for Manor who miskicked when finding himself unmarked in the box before goals corer Dingli then saw his shot saved.

With an additional 8 minutes of injury tine being played a Sean Kettle header went straight into the arms of Kent from a deep corner before a great save at the death from Mernagh as he pushed an effort onto the crossbar and away to safety moments before the full time whistle was blown.

The save secured the lead and 3 points as the whistle was blown just moments later to seal a good win for the Motormen who now travel to lowly Burnham Ramblers at the weekend.

report by Adam Silver