Friday night football was back at the Oakside as Redbridge played their 3rd match in six days and therefore not suprisingly made a couple of changes to the line up however it was a still strong starting eleven for the current league leaders.

A great early chance came the way of the home side when Martin Tuohy flicked the ball into the path of Eljay Worrell who blasted wide from close range. West Essex then went up the other end and opened the scoring as Joe Lefley had an attempt on goal which was blocked at the first time of asking but made no mistake with the rebound striking past Lewis Greene in the home goal.

The away side were keeping possession and doing well to frustrate the hosts who were finding it hard to break them down, the best chance of note was a Patrick Duggan long range effort which failed to trouble Dan Russell in goal.

A strong run up field by Joshua Hutchinson saw him pull the ball back into the path of Calvin Poku who took the shot in his stride but it was always rising and flew over the crossbar.

Shaun Harris then got up highest to a Worrell free-kick but headed wide before Bradley Russell tried his luck from distance for West Essex.

Just as at the start of the half the best chance for the home side once again fell to Worrell as he scuffed a good effort wide of the target before Jonathon Mbamara saw his headed from a corner saved.

An early change in the second half from the Motormen saw Brian Moses take to the field and his physical presence was clear to see immediately however the first chance fell to Russell who met a good cross from the right wing but could only head wide.

The home side shortly got themselves back on level terms, a Courtney Homans free kick was put into the area where Moses was able to turn and shoot and although Russell made the initial save the ball fell at the feet of Liam Thomas who was on hand to fire into the back of the net.

Three minutes later and the game was turned on its head as that man Thomas was once again in the right place as he diverted a Worrell free-kick home.

The away side were still in this contest and it took a last ditch tackle from Duggan to deny a goal scoring opportunity before Redbridge substitute Jacob Dingli fired in a lovely ball which Moses connected to but was unable to keep on target.

Into the final minute and a pass back was intercepted by Dingli and as he looked to round the goalkeeper was brought down by a strong challenge , the referee pointed to the spot and showed a red card for the challenge.

Thomas was given the nod from the bench to take the penalty and complete his hat trick which he did so and ran off sparking wild celebrations.

West Essex thought they had scored when a superb effort from Nick Walk beat Greene only to hit the upright and bounce away to safety for the Motormen whilst at the other end Dingli was denied by stand in keeper Brad Russell who got down well to make the save.

The whistle blew meaning Redbridge will remain top after the weekend’s fixtures as they go into Monday’s tough away fixture at Tower Hamlets.

report by Adam Silver