Final Day Defeat for Motormen

The final game of the 2023/24 season saw Redbridge face Bury Town who were looking for the win that would secure them home advantage in next week’s play-offs whilst a win for the Motormen could secure a 10th place finish in their first season back at Step Four.

The the away side started on the front foot buoyed on by their large travelling support however it was Redbridge who took the early lead.

A Jack Chawner free kick central to goal proved too hot to handle for keeper Charlie Beckwith and Solomon Ogunwomoju was on hand to poke home the loose ball.

Bury to their credit responded well and had their own free kick well blocked before winning a corner.

Ryan Jolland then sneaked in at the far post beyond his marker, but Sebastian Barford was quickly out of goal to deny him.

Barford then had a lucky escape as he was unable to hold onto a fierce drive from Ed Upson however was on hand to show quick reactions standing firm to deny the rebounded effort.

Back at the other end Ayo Odukoya just avoided getting a touch to Chawner’s dangerous cross before he then found himself in a good position and chose to go alone with the shot which unfortunately flew high and wide.

A big penalty appeal followed as the ball was flicked up by a Bury player hitting the arm of Bradley Bennett, but the referee well positioned waved away any appeals.

Just before half time Beckwith made a superb stop to deny a certain goal, a long Elliott throw fell to Odukoya who turned and shot with his effort hitting against Louie Johnson and with the goalkeeper going the wrong way he was able to stick out an outstretched hand.

Bury needed to show a reaction in the second period and did just that with an early equaliser, a ball crossed into the middle finding the unmarked Ollie Canfer who headed home.

Moments later and the game was turned on it’s head as Bury went ahead, a long ball over the top found the run of Cemal Ramadan who although forced a little wide was able to smash home past Barford with the aid of the crossbar.

Both sides looked to their benches and Redbridge substitute Billy Titley was involved in a good passing move which ended at the feet of the usually reliable Johnson, but he was unable to keep his shot down and fired well over.

A big chance then for the home side went begging as from a Chawner corner Joseph Elliott rose unchallenged to plant his header agonisingly wide of the upright with Beckwith beaten.

Another penalty shout for Bury fell on deaf ears as Max Maugh and Callum Gregory came together but there was nothing in it and play continued.

Ramadan then disposed Jimi Feeley and played in Luke Brown, but his touch let him down allowing Barford to quickly come out and gather.

Into five minutes of added time Redbridge pushed for the equaliser, Elliott again winning a header but a defender was well placed just on the goal line and able to clear.

Bury however held firm and were able to see the game out , celebrations from their supporters followed after the final whistle as other results will see them host Brentwood Town next Tuesday.

report by Adam Silver