Redbridge defeat Heybridge

Redbridge hosted Heybridge Swifts at the in a re-aranged match after the original match scheduled before Christmas was postponed due to the weather.

The home side got off to the perfect start taking the lead after just 3 minutes, a good run out on the left by Soumen Nandi saw him pull the ball into the path of Ayo Odukoya who made no mistake firing first time past the dive of ex Redbridge keeper Callum Chafer.

Connor Wheatley in the Redbridge goal had to be alert at the other end as he denied Sam Bantick turning his shot around the post.

Heybridge showed a good reaction to falling behind and good defending from the Motormen saw them block two efforts which were heading for goal.

The action then went back up the other end and from a corner Henry Day should have done better connecting at the far post but he was unable to keep his shot down.

A defensive error at the back then allowed Bantick in for Heybridge but Wheatley was quickly off his iine as he stood firm to make the save.

It was a very fast start to the game from both sides and Heybridge levelled after 14 minutes when Wheatley failed to hold the initial shot from Danny Nesbitt which allowed Ben Sartain to head home the rebound.

The away side were looking quick on the break turning defense into attack and were almost in but for the flag being raised on the far side.

It was end to end stuff as Heybridge failed to clear their lines allowing Oscar Shelvey-Negus to run onto a loose ball which fizzzed wide of the upright.

Jack Adlington-Pile twice tested the reactions in goal of Wheatey before his side were forced into a change as Kieran Jones replaced Sam Park through injury.

From a long Joe Elliott throw the ball fell to Lewis Clarke alone at the far post who somehow blasted well over when should have been easier to score.

There was still time for one final effort of the first half when a great run by Nandi saw him beat two players before unleasing an effort which looked set to fund the far corner however Chafer was equal to it pulling off a superb save.

The second period took a while to get going and the first effort came through the home side when Louie Johnson saw his shot palmed away by Chafer.

The second half was seeing Redbridge have most of the ball as Heybridge were unable to really create any real chances..

Nandi who was certainly looking the danger man for Redbridge was involved in most of their good play and he was causing problems for the Heybridge defenders with his skill and pace.

It looked iike if anyone would score it would be the home side and with 10 minutes remaining they did just that. A cross from the right through Clarke found sub James Barlow in the box and from close range he made no mistake.

There were shouts from some of the Heybridge players and bench that the striker had handled but the officials disagreed and allowed the goal to stand.

With an additional 6 minutes injury time added the away side did push forward in search of an equaliser as Myles Anderson headed wide before Adlington-Pile saw his effort from inside the box saved.

That proved to be the final action of the match which saw Redbridge pick up their first win of the new year whist Heybridge suffered back to back defeats.

report by Adam Silver