Redbridge hosted a Sawbridgeworth Town side whom they had failed to beat on three occasions last season.

It was a case of mixed fortunes for both sides at the weekend with Sawbridgeworth surprisingly losing at home to West Essex whilst a last minute winner saw the Motormen beat Tower Hamlets.

The away side started the strongest of the teams with ex Redbridge winger Lewis Francis in particular looking dangerous on the left flank.

The first shot came from another ex Redbridge player in Gavin Cockman who fired wide.

The early pressure resulted in a goal for Sawbridgeworth as a loose ball fell to full back Arron Thomas and his first touch took him inside his man before he rifled home past the despairing dive of Lewis Greene in goal.

Redbridge soon had a great chance to equalise when Lindisipho Mtyanda broke free down the right wing and delivered a lovely ball which found the diving head of Jacob Dingli but the attempt went agonisingly wide.

Sawbridgeworth then had a chance to extend their lead as Cockman thumped a free kick against the post and fortunately for Redbridge away to safety.

Into the 2nd half and a close let off for Redbridge who cheaply gave away possession to Thomas who skipped past a challenge and fired a cross in which skimmed against the bar.

It woke the home side up and they soon were back on level terms when a through ball from Patrick Duggan was pounced on by Calvin Poku and he calmly slotted past Matt Ponter in goal.

As the match went on it seemed the home side most likely to grab a winner as further chances came for Jason Reynolds-Blanche and Dingli which were both spurned.

A final effort from skipper Malaki Toussaint flew over the bar before the referee called an end to proceedings.

Redbridge will feel they did enough to win the game yet again will be pleased to finally take a point off a strong side whom are expected to be up up near the top of the table.

report by Adam Silver