Redbridge welcomed Barkingside to the Oakside for this local derby played out in front of the watching Redbridge mayor as they looked to reclaim top spot after being overtaken by FC Romania on goal difference.

It was the first match for Redbridge since before Christmas after recent storm damage at the ground postponed their last two home matches.

Early pressure from the home side resulted in the first chance falling for top scorer Brian Moses but he lifted his shot over the bar. Much of Redbridge’s play was coming down the left flank through Reside Coxi-Sebastfao and he fired an effort which stung the palms of Ryan Karrer in the Barkingside goal.

Barkingside were giving away lots of free kicks and Lindisipho Mtyanda stepped up to take one of those but Karrer did well to make the save.

The home side were then forced into an early substitution when new signing Tamberson Eyong left the field nursing an injury was replaced by Tommie Turner.

Barkingside then ha their first chance of the game as Kofi Billzy broke into the box but could only fire wide.

Redbridge captain Eljay Worrell then put in a great cross which found the head of Moses who could not keep his headed effort down.

Much against the run of play Barkingside took the lead after 31 minutes when Ryan Imbert was given far too much space and allowed to run into the box unchallenged and was able to fie past Lewis Greene.

Redbridge almost made an immediate reply when a Turner cross was headed down by Mtyanda into the path of Moses but Karrer was able to save at his near post. Remi Nelson then spurned a good opportunity after Barkingside failed to clear but he shot straight at Karrer.

A huge chance for Barkingside to make it two as the home defence went to sleep allowing Roddy Lemba to find space and shoot only for Greene to make a superb diving save keeping his side in the match.

A Worrell free kick was then partially cleared falling at the feet of Mtyanda who smashed his shot goal bound requiring Karrer to tip the ball onto the crossbar and away for a corner.

The second half began with Redbridge attacking down the right as Moses outpaced the defender but over hit the cross with Mtyanda in the middle unmarked.

Barkingside then came forward through Imbert who shrugged off his marker before forcing Greene into making the save.

Turner then put in a nice cross with the ball falling at the feet of Billy Golledge but his low effort went wide of the post.

Nice footwork from Coxi- Sebastfsao before getting a shot in which was easily held by Karrer as the Motormen continued to pile forward but were becoming slightly frustrated as the minutes ticked down on the clock

A rare chance for the away side as Gareth Kelly got a shot in from a tight angle requiring Greene to turn the ball around at the near post.

With time starting to run out Redbridge introduced strikers Calvin Poku and Jacob Dingli from the bench and the latter should have done better after smashing the ball well over after picking up a loose punch from Karrer.

With three minutes remaining the game then turned after Barkingside’s substitute Jayden Mitchell Brown received a second yellow card for a rash challenge. From the resulting free kick a ball was floated in by Shaun Harris knocked down by Moses into the path of Poku who turned his marker and fired home to equalise.

Barkingside’s hard work was all undone and moments later things went from bad to worse as Moses again headed on to Poku who calmly slotted into the corner of the net causing wild scenes of celebrations.

It was the true stuff of potential champions and Redbridge with their never die attitude certainly showed why they are top of the league after this 11th consecutive victory.

report by Adam Silver