Second placed Redbridge hosted sixth placed Barking at the Oakside as the home side went looking for a fifth consecutive victory , the fixture had the makings of a good match with the reverse game between the two sides seeing seven goals scored as Redbridge secured a late winner in a 4-3 victory.

With Ibby Kehinde suspended George Purcell and Tony Martin led the line, Purcell had the first chance of the match going close when he got on the end of a lovely cross from his fellow strike partner and although connected he was unable to place the ball the right side of the post.

Barking were passing the ball around nicely in the middle of the park but were unable to really get behind the Redbridge defence and trouble Connor Wheatley in goal who was looking to make it ten clean sheets on the bounce.

A big moment followed as a ball over the top found Martin who got away from his marker only to be pulled down, he looked to be the last defender but the referee deemed the challenge only worthy of a yellow card.

Another chance then followed for Redbridge, Purcell saw his free-kick prove to be too powerful for Harvey Simson to hold, the rebound fell into the path of defender Nathan Okoye but he was only able to poke the ball wide of the target.

The game started to become a little stop start with either side really able to stamp any authority on proceedings in what was a tight affair, it looked like both sides would therefore go into the break level however right on half time the deadlock was eventually broken.

Tayo Josh Olukolo got down the left for Redbridge putting over a ball finding Martin who stayed onside according to the assistant on the far side and he showed composure to take a touch before firing low into the bottom corner to put his side ahead.

Barking almost reacted immediately at the other end as ex Redbridge player Tim Ogunrinde dragged a shot wide but as the whistle blew it was Redbridge who went in the happier of the two sides with that slender lead.

Just four minutes into the second period and the home side doubled their advantage, Abs Thompson put over a cross from the right side and Purcell did well to get his body in front of a defender to stab home from close range

Two immediately then became three as just one minute later Thompson this time went from provider to scorer as he got his head on the end of a Jamie Price cross to take the game away from Barking who were a little shell shocked by the quick fire goals they had just conceded.

It soon got worse for the away side , Jerold Cobblah fell to the ground and just as the referee waved pay on he was brought crashing down to the ground under a heavy challenge which this time was a sure penalty., up stepped Purcell to send Simson the wrong way and make it four.

Barking to their credit kept going and almost pulled one back when Wheatley did well to get his body in the way of a shot from close range and although the flag was raised the Redbridge keeper was not to know.

Ogunrinde then got free down the left putting over a teasing cross which failed to find anyone else in a yellow shirt before Okoye then tracked back to make a great defensive challenge to deny what would have been nothing more than a consolation from Barking.

With both sides turning to their benches the remainder of the game became a little disrupted with no further chances of note and it was Redbridge who saw the game out with in the end a comfortable victory what with other results going their way saw them climb to the summit of the Essex Senior League.

report by Adam Silver