Two in form sides clashed at the Oakside as Redbridge hosted Clapton with both teams knowing a win could take either of them top.

The Motormen were able to field late signing Martin Tuohy after the experienced striker having been recently released from Bostik side AFC Hornchurch and joint manager Joey May knew him well from his time spent there brought him in.

Clapton made a superb start to the match taking the lead after just two minutes. Redbridge lost possession and a neat passing move ended with the ball laid into the path of Andre Spencer and with time and space he was able to fire past Lewis Greene in goal.

The player wearing the number 99 shirt celebrated his strike with his team mates in front of the noisy Clapton Ultras who once again were out in force cheering on their side.

Greene had to be alert shortly after to keep out Yemi Adelani from close range as the visitors looked dangerous on the attack.

Redbridge needed to get back into this game quickly and did just that on 13 minutes when a Clapton defender missed his clearance allowing the ball to fall at the feet of Brian Moses.

The tall striker had time to turn and drill his shot into the corner past the despairing dive of Jerry Jairette.

Good skill by Reside Coxi Sebastfao then released Tuohy who crossed first time looking for Moses but even with his imposing height he was unable to jump high enough on this occasion.

A free kick from Clapton fell dangerously into the Redbridge penalty area requiring the quick thinking Green to race out and gather.

A lengthy delay soon followed after Jairette in goal came out worse in a 50/50 challenge and although he carried on it was clear to see he was struggling.

Further chances came for the home side as a Vinny Murphy free kick bounced just wide via a defenders head before Coxi Sebastfao was inches away from connecting to a Moses cross at the far post.

With virtually the last kick of the half Redbridge took the lead when Tuohy collected a loose ball and fortunately at second time of asking managed to shoot low beating Jairette who with his injury was unable to react quickly enough to the ball which had already beaten him by the time he moved.

A half time change for Clapton eventually saw Jairette replaced by an outfield player in Nick Loblack and he was soon called upon to make a smart save from Joshua Hutchinson's shot before tipping a deflected Coxi Sebastfao effort over the bar.

Tuohy was then twice denied by the feet of the stand in goal keeper before Duggan fired over.

Clapton introduced ex Rebridge striker Jay Knight and he almost equaliser when unmarked headed straight into the arms of Greene when really should have done better.

Moses then strode forward leaving two Clapton players behind him but could not keep his shot down.

Clapton pushed forward looking to get back level having a couple of free kicks in dangerous areas but Redbridge stood firm and were able to secure the victory.

The win put an end to Claptons 8 match winning streak and puts the home side two points clear at the top of the table which could be further extended when we host West Essex on Friday evening.

report by Adam Silver