8 Man Redbridge Defeated

6 goals, 2 Penalties, 4 red cards, 3 vital points for Thurrock

Thurrock and Redbridge both wanted the points today, Thurrock to get back in touch with the play-offs and Redbridge to move away from relegation.

Straight from the whistle Leslie Thompson created the first chance sending a low ball across the face of the goal that no one could get a touch to, something we were to see several times in the first half.

Steven Carvell headed wide after a corner was flicked on first by Ross Wall and then Lewis Clark.

Chances came thick and fast with Kurt Smith, Ross Wall, Leslie Thompson and Steven Carvell all marauding in and around the box and ghosting past defenders at ease but unable to get the final shot away.

With so much possession and totally dominating the midfield it was inconceivable that the game could remain goalless but as we got into the last five minutes it was looking that way but then Lewwis Spence played through to Leslie Thompson and one-on-one with the keeper his first shot was blocked but Thompson collected the rebound and made no mistake to open the scoring.

Spence and Clark both had efforts from a Carvell corner before the ball was blocked out to Aaron Waters whose blasted effort was headed away for a corner. Lewwis Spence got on the end of that one drawing a superb save from Mark Parker diving to his left to push wide.

The second half began much the same as the first with Leslie Thompson supplying a cross which Spence fiercely headed goalwards and Parker reacted well to keep the ball out.

Halfway through the half Redbridge were reduced to ten men when Kacey Adams was sent off for an off the ball incident yet only five minutes later Redbridge equalised when Rhys Madden brought down a Redbridge forward to receive a yellow card and give away a penalty which Patrick Damali dispatched with ease.

The scores only remained level for only three minutes. Remi Sutton drove forwards from the halfway line into the area and didn't mess around, putting his laces through the ball to beat Parker at his near post.

Redbridge came back again and when the ball came in from a corner an altercation in the area saw Rhys Madden receive a second yellow along with a straight red for Redbridge’s Tyron Thomas with a second penalty awarded. Kurt Smith made way for Jordon Warren whose first touch was to pick the ball out the net after being sent the wrong way by Gavin Cockman.

Again Thurrock responded and again it was Leslie Thompson supplying the cross for Ross Wall to head inside the post.

Thurrock slowed the game down and spent five minutes playing keep ball before Leslie Thompson repaid a favour by playing in Lewwis Spence who hit the ball first time and through Parker’s legs.

As the game was halfway into added time L’heureux Menga burst through on goal before being hacked down by Aaron Tatham who started walking towards the changing rooms before the ref had taken his red card from his pocket.

report courtesy of Thurrock F.C.