Back to Winning Ways in League

The Motormen played their first league game since 11th November after the cold and rain had postponed their last four fixtures , they hosted Witham Town in what was the third encounter between the two sides this season after a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season before Redbridge won 3-2 in the FA Trophy.

Redbridge started the game on the attack as Soumen Nandi won his side a corner before a long Joe Elliott throw was only partially cleared falling at the feet of Louie Johnson who on his home debut fired over.

Witham then came forward for the first time as they won a series of corners, the ball fell to Joe Alatise who volleyed over at the far post in what was their best chance thus far.

Redbridge came forward again as good work by Ronnie Winn saw him get a cross over finding Johnson who shot tested the reactions of goalkeeper Amarildo Cekrezi who tipped over.

Francis himself then became the creator as he found Solomon Ogunwomoju who headed over from close range before at the other end Darus Ghinea was through on goal but his weak effort was easily gathered by Connor Wheatley.

Ayo Odukoya then showed good strength to hold the ball up and although he was able to get a shot in it lacked ant power and failed to trouble Cekrezi.

Just as the game was starting to get a little scrappy the home side took the lead, a long throw from Elliott was not cleared and fell to Ogunwomoju in the box but he still had plenty to do as he held off a defender and shot whilst on the turn firing low into the corner of the net.

Shortly after and things went from bad to worse for Witham as they were reduced to ten men, a stamp by Joshua Olaoluwa Osude on Henry Day which did not go unnoticed by the referee and no hesitation in producing the red card.

Into the second period and Redbridge doubled their advantage just five minutes in when Ayo Odukoya broke down the right before finding Johnson who cut inside a defender and fire off a shot which Cekrezi was unable to hold and parried the ball straight into the path of Lewis Clarke who made no mistake following up to score.

The home side were on top making their numerical advantage count with the occasional break up field for Witham quickly broken up as solid defending from Redbridge denied any clear opportunities.

Further good chances for the Motormen came and went as first Johnson hit a post when he came running onto a Ogunwomoju knock down before good skill from Nandi saw him beat 2 players before laying the ball again to Johnson but his shot was smothered away to safety.

Substitute James Barlow then had a great opportunity to score as he broke forward racing onto a Winn pass before rounding the keeper but a heavy touch took him too far and he only succeeded in finding the side netting.

Witham did have one good chance near the end when Shakeel Morris turned a defender but he was unable to keep his effort down which flew high over the bar.

Barlow then showed great desire in winning the ball before squaring to an unmarked Ogunwomoju who looked sure to wrap the game up but he fired wide however in the end it mattered little as the full time whistle soon arrived giving the Motormen a well deserved victory.

Match Report by Adam Silver