Friday night football returned to the Oakside as table topping Redbridge hosted Woodford Town (2017) in freezing conditions.

The home side were quick out the blocks looking to attack down the right flank through Tommie Turner who was looking to get forward at every opportunity.

The first chance however fell to the away side when Ryley Scott whipped in a dangerous free-kick which just required a touch from a Woodford player but managed to evade everyone and ended up going out for a goal kick.

The away side were certainly holding their own against the league leaders and had a good chance to take the lead but for a superb diving save from Lewis Greene after Larry Asare’s shot looked destined to find the top corner.

Redbridge seemed to be off the pace and very much second to most challenges as Woodford continued to look the more dangerous and most likely to score.

It was therefore somewhat against the run of play when the home side took the lead as an Eljay Worrell corner kick saw Brian Moses ghost in at the near post to flick his header past Nick Wilson in goal.

The match now started to become a little fiery as some strong challenges were flying in which was certainly keeping the referee busy.

The second half began with an immediate chance for Woodford as Asare shot wide from a god position before the turning point of the match soon followed when Dion Lewis-Kirwan saw red for a rash challenge on Worrell.

Redbridge with the extra man obviously started to find a little more space and Moses found himself through on goal before eventually being crowded out.

Moses again went close as he headed wide from a corner before Shaun Harris tried his luck from distance.

Jacob Dingli then replaced Calvin Poku and had a superb chance to put daylight between the sides however but for an excellent defensive goal line clearance saved the danger.

The away side’s chances were restricted although they thought they were back in the game after the ball was turned into the net however the referee disallowed the goal after a Woodford player in an offside position got the final touch in kicking the ball across the line denying his team an equaliser, it was certainly a lucky escape for the home side.

Dingli and Reside Coxi-Sebastfao then teamed up well together before the latter saw his shot flash wide.

Into injury time and Moses sealed the three points as he ran onto a back pass beating the outrushing Wilson to the ball and although he fell to the ground he was quickly able to pick himself up and slot home his and his side’s second of the game.

report by Adam Silver