After winning at the weekend, Redbridge manager Dave Ross would have had high hopes of a win against fellow strugglers Ilford. Although the Motormen went ahead, they failed to build on their start. Even worse a two minute spell cost them the game handing the Foxes a vital three points.

Redbridge started well with Matty Gillingham looking lively, a good early ball into the box from the winger looked to have found Jack West free in the box. Somehow though Anton Dwyer got back to head the ball clear and a chance to go ahead in the third minute had gone. Ilford were looking to grind out a result and they failed to create any real chances in the first half.

Just past the half hour mark Redbridge took the lead. After Gillingham was fouled on the right, a freekick was awarded to the hosts. Dave Ross and his assistant Scott Canham were giving instructions to Bobby Port to aim for a ‘gap’ in the danger area to direct the ball goalwards. Port did just that and his shot was too good for Ilford goalie Rob Budd as it flew into the bottom corner of the net.

On the stroke of half time the hosts won a penalty after Jack West was fouled in the box. West was eager to take the penalty and double the hosts lead. Sadly his penalty was hit straight at Budd in goal who held onto the rebound amidst a mini scramble inside the box. In truth it was a big blow and would have carried Redbridge into half time with the momentum.

Ilford came out after half time and within eight minutes of the second half were ahead. A decent ball from Jamie Pooley somehow found its way to striker Derek Hawtin who with his shirt being tugged still did enough to strike the ball past Dave McCartney in goal to equalise for the Foxes.

Before the Oakside announcer could even get down to announce Hawtin’s goal, Ilford had incredibly taken the lead. Winning possession in midfield Hawtin fed in the pacey Victor Omogbehin who slotted the ball over McCartney to put the Foxes in front.

Redbridge did fight back into the game and were unlucky not to find an equaliser. Jack West almost scored after a well-timed run but his shot went narrowly wide. Alfie Dickinson saw a header from a corner cleared of the line and West had a header clip the bar in injury time. It just wasn’t Redbridge’s night.

Report by Adam Dennehey