Football returned to the Oakside Stadium as Redbridge hosted Clapton in this Group B fixture of the Len Cordell Memorial Cup. The Essex Senior League should be thanked for putting together this tournament which will remember a true non league legend and a man obviously very close to our hearts being associated with the Motormen for several years.

Although it was a much welcomed return it was however unfortunate that due to government guidelines no supporters were permitted entry into the ground.

The away side under new manager Qayum Shakoor looked the brighter of the two sides and had much of the early play creating a couple of early chances but none of which tested George Martin in the Redbridge goal.

The home side were forced into an early change when Jack Chawner came off injured to be replaced by Shawn Harris who was back for his second spell in the Redbridge colours. A defensive error almost allowed Clapton in on goal however Liam Francis swung wildly at the ball which fizzed well wide of the target.

Redbridge were finding it difficult to get any rhythm especially in the final third with the closest they came being a cross cum shot from Ayub Kadiri which fell the wrong side of the net.

The half time whistle allowed both sides to regroup which due to Covid regulations saw this take place on the pitch with the changing rooms currently being out of bounds.

Within three minutes the home side opened the scoring , a corner was swung in and flicked goal bound which Clapton keeper Carlos Simeon did well to claw away and whilst some of the Redbridge players appealed that the ball had crossed the line striker Tony Martin reacted quickly firing home from close range.

The goal certainly appeared to wake the home side up as suddenly they started to show more desire coming forward hoping they could add a second goal. When Clapton did have the ball they were unable to retain possession as they had in the first half and Redbridge were looking strong at the back making themselves difficult to break down.

It would be fair to say the stay at home supporters were not missing much as it wasn’t the best of displays from either side however Redbridge held firm and got the all important 3 points , they will now face Barkingside next in the group and surely will improve as match fitness returns.

report by Adam Silver