The Motormen travelled up the M11 for their penultimate league fixture to meet newly crowned ESL champions elect Enfield, the match may not have been the originally billed title clash it so nearly could have been however still held importance especially for Redbridge who were still searching for that final point which would secure them as runners up to their hosts in the table.

A great moment of respect prior to kick off George Christou’s side formed a guard of honour to welcome out the league leaders onto the pitch.

The first chance of the game fell to the away side, Jerold Cobblah connecting with the ball but his shot was held by Jarvis Monk at the second time of asking. Redbridge continue to be on the front foot dominating possession in the early stages whilst Enfield were unable to get out of their half.

Former E’s player Ibrahim Kehinde back in the Redbridge line up after injury then broke free down the left but went for the wrong option in shooting when he had team mates better placed in the middle.

Enfield finally had their first meaningful attack which came down their left hand side, a ball was crossed over before being laid into the path of Louie Johnson who was always leaning back and his effort never troubled Connor Wheatley in goal.

The pace of Kehinde for Redbridge continued to cause the home side issues and he was almost through on goal but for an important interception by Usman Adeniji who came across quickly to clear.

Some hesitant defending almost allowed Enfield in on goal just after a lovely first time pass by Samrai Gebrai almost found the run of Solomon Ofori but a raised flag by the near side assistant came to the away side’s rescue.

Back at the other end and Bradley Bennett got forward , he was allowed to shoot with his powerful effort stinging the gloves of Monk who was able to hold.

With the half time whistle approaching the Motormen had a good chance to go in front, Jack Chawner floated over a free-kick which fell kindly in the box however the resulting shot was blocked and went just wide for a corner.

Enfield came out the blocks quick in the second period winning a corner within the first minute, it was only partially cleared out to Alfie Mason who found Ofori in the box but his diving headed was well saved by Wheatley.

At the other end a Redbridge corner almost found it’s way into the goal as a deflection pushed it up onto the crossbar and away to safety for the home side.

Enfield were pushing forward but finding it difficult to get behind a well marshalled Redbridge defence who were standing up well to the task at hand.

Tayo Josh Olukolo then carried the ball forward , exchanging passes with Bennett before he ran into the box only to be upended by a challenge in the box which the referee decided was worthy of a penalty.

Up stepped Kehinde who fired low past Monk to put his side ahead , it was in fact his final involvement of the game as he then made way being replaced by Tendai Quamina.

The goal lifted the away side and they were almost in for a second, Quamina finding Solomon Ogunwomoju who cut inside a defender before firing just wide although some inside the ground through he had found the back of the net.

A further chance followed when Olukolo did well to cross into the middle finding James Barlow who saw his first time shot just go wide of the upright.

Enfield were looking tired and maybe this was just one game too many for them however they did come close to an equaliser when a ball was crossed in from the right hand side and in a crowded penalty area it required a Redbridge defender standing on the line to make an important clearance with his chest, some shouts from the stands for a handball fell on deaf ears by the officials.

Both sides turned to the bench in the final stages but it was the away side who were able to see the game out to full time and with it got themselves 3 points which secures runners up spot and a play off final against Step Four opponents on Sat 29th April.

report by Adam Silver