Halstead entertained the Motormen for the first time in 35 years, then playing under the name Ford United, on a wet and slippery Rosemary Lane pitch. Third placed Redbridge would provide a stern challenge for the Humbugs, who came into the game off the back of a much-needed victory at Southend Manor on the previous Saturday.

Halstead had a couple of changes including a return after a number of years Michael Brothers, leading the attack. It was a frantic opening with both sides showing intent and it was the hosts who had first sight of goal. Matt Travell getting on the end of a corner but his header simply lobbed up in the air. Next it was Joel Older who was slipped in by Alfie Cleal but his first effort was blocked and his second effort flashed across the goal and Redbridge’s goal stayed intact.

Brothers first action was to get away on the left and his cross found Older, but he was crowded out before he could get a shot away. The opening ten minutes saw the Motormen restricted to hitting the hosts on the break but they clearly carried a threat.

Halstead’s Jordan Blackwell got down the right flank and his cross was cut out by a defender before the resulting corner which was missed by everyone and reached Matt Travell at the back post who turned it home. The lead really shouldn’t have lasted more than a minute as Jack Chawner got down the flank and his cross ended with Anthony Martin who failed to hit the target when it was easier to score

Cleal then played in Older down the left for Halstead but keeper Connor Wheatley saved with his feet to prevent the hosts extending their lead. The visitors then had a shout for a penalty as Ryan Carter got the wrong side of Soloman Ogunwomoju and seemed to trip him, but the referee waved away the vociferous appeals.

Redbridge were coming into the game a little and spurned another chance as firstly Martin’s effort was blocked but the rebound fell to Jerold Cobblah who sliced his effort wide. Halstead then had a numerical advantage for ten minutes as Simon Bamidele was sin binned for something he said to the assistant although it was the visitors who threatened next but Jack Cherry eventually cleared.

Halstead finally added to their tally on 39 minutes when Oli Lonton crossed from the left and Brothers was on hand to head home. Redbridge again responded well but the hosts lead remained at two as Cherry did well under pressure to punch clear and the sinned binned player then returned to the field so parity was restored in respect to players on the pitch.

The whistle for the break went with Halstead two in front having had probably their best half of football this season

Half Time: Halstead 2 Redbridge 0

The second half had a much quieter start as both sides took it in turns to attack but the opening ten minutes didn’t produce any real efforts on goal, although Cherry did need to punch away a Redbridge long throw.

Halstead were then reduced to ten for ten minutes as Brothers incurred the wrath of the referee and was given time on the sidelines to contemplate his actions. Redbridge were on the charge and were only denied by a superb save by Cherry as he came out quickly to block as Michael Pindy broke through the Halsted defensive line.

Halstead should have added another as Tom White did well down the left shrugging off challenges and his ball across the box found Cleal, but his effort was well wide. Brothers returned to the pitch with Halstead still holding a two-goal advantage.

The tide had certainly turned in favour of the visitors as they pressed to reduce the arrears although as the game passed the hour mark most of their threats were coming from long throws. The Halstead defence were working hard with both Robbie Bennett and Travell breaking down attacks.

Loui Hazelwood earned Redbridge a free kick 30 yards out which he took himself, and Cherry needed to scramble across his goal to save and then get up quickly to ensure the ball went to safety with Martin rushing in. The pressure was mounting on the home defence and it needed a last gasp block, a combination of Cherry and Travell, but with a hint of handball but again the referee was unmoved by the visitor’s penalty appeals.

Jamie Price was the next Redbridge player to spurn a chance as he skied his effort from the edge of the box as the game moved into the final minutes, although the home fans were conscious that there would be a fair bit of additional time for earlier stoppages.

The ninety minutes ticked over with a cross come shot being touched around the post by Cherry to preserve Halstead’s advantage. Halstead remained defiant until the end with great tackling at the back and Cherry punching dangerous balls clear and the whistle went with the hosts recording back to back wins for the first time this season.

report courtesy of www.halsteadtownfc.com