The Motormen returned to action for the first time in just shy of a month as they began 2023 with a local derby against Ilford, George Purcell led the line alongside Tony Martin whilst the recently resigned Ibrahim Kehinde started on the bench

A floodlight issue could have seen the match postponed however the referee after consulting with both managers deemed the game was playable and the match could therefore proceed.

An early corner for Redbridge almost led to an opening goal as a crowded box almost saw the ball bundled over the line however the referee had blown for an Ilford free-kick

At the other end the Ilford number give got his head to the ball but could only direct his effort straight into the arms of Connor Wheatley in the Redbridge goal.

Redbridge went back on the attack and Purcell was almost in for the opener but good defending by Paul Cox did enough to deny him.

The hosts then went close as from a long throw the ball ended up at the feet of Joe Lilly who fired just wide of the upright.

The opening goal soon arrived for the away side, good work by Michael Pindy who carried the ball forward before it eventually fell at the feet of Tony Martin who had time and space to coolly fire past Tim Pitman in the Ilford goal to give his side on the balance of play a deserved lead.

Ilford looked for an immediate reply as Joshua Boxall saw his free-kick just fly over the bar.

Redbridge soon back on the attack as Martin flicked on a header into the path of Purcell who brought the ball down but rather than shooting he chose instead to find the pass back into the box which got cut out by a defender and cleared to safety.

Joey May then went on a mazy run leaving a couple of Ilford players behind before crossing into the middle and seeing the ball deflected via goalkeeper and defender into the goal however his celebrations were quickly cut short as the officials waved play on deciding the ball had not crossed the line.

Redbridge were continuing to ask questions as Martin then saw a shot blocked before Ilford saw a free kick at the other end narrowly go wide before the half time whistle was blown.

Very early into the 2nd half and Redbridge were reduced to ten men when defender Joe Elliott saw red for a second yellow card leaving the Motormen to play the next 45minutes a man down.

The numerical disadvantage never seemed to affect Redbridge who broke forward when Jerold Cobblah saw his well time tackle win back possession before releasing Pindy who was dragged wide but still managed to get a shot in on target however Pitman was equal to it.

A fortuitous bounce saw the ball end up at the feet of May who then tried to find the corner however a deflection saw the ball turned behind for a corner.

Ilford then had a spell of possession winning a series of corners however they failed to really test the Redbridge back line .

Reuben Campbell then broke down the right flank winning a free kick for his side which was whipped in by May to the far post fining the head of substitute Kehinde who headed down into the ground which deceived Pitman who could only see the ball bounce over him and into the back of the goal to double the Motormen's advantage.

With time against them Ilford did have one final chance when good work by Lilly saw his cross fall behind the Ilford substitute who was unable to react in time and the chance went begging.

That proved to be the last real action of the match before full time was called, Redbridge with victory move into 2nd and start of 2023 in good form.

report by Adam Silver