A point apiece was fair for both sides on a night when Redbridge fought back against a good Grays team who have been one of the form teams in the division of late.

Grays looked in control early on with their midfielders Joe McEvoy and John Docker looking confident on the ball early on. A good ball from McEvoy released ex-Redbridge striker Jared Small through on goal, who could only shoot wide following good defensive play blocking the pacey forward’s ideal route to goal.

Not long after Redbridge had their first chance of the game. Good play from Jonathan Glowacki in midfield helped spread the ball to Kevin McLeod. McLeod linked up well to put a ball through to Julian Edwards free on goal. Unluckily for the Motormen, Edwards couldn’t open his body out to shoot past Steve Northwood in goal and with the goalie closing the angle on goal, Edwards could only run the ball out of play.

Grays blew a chance to go ahead on 20 minutes when a long ball up field caused confusion in the heart of the Redbridge defence. Alex Osbourne up front for Grays on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge racing down on goal looked odds-on to score after Elliott Justham was beaten by the bounce of the ball. With the net gaping, somehow Bradley Hamilton making his home debut after signing on loan from Colchester United – managed to bravely head the ball away from Osbourne taking a knock to the side in the process. It saved a certain goal and was great defending from the youngster.

On 34 minutes though Grays did go ahead through a moment of magic from Docker. A ball from McEvoy in midfield was headed back by Small into Docker’s path 35 yards from goal. Not alot looked on initially, but a clever flick of the ball over Glowacki created abit of freedom for the midfielder who rifled in a powerful shot that flew into the top left hand corner of the net. It was some goal for Grays and one which Justham in goal could have done nothing about.

Redbridge almost hit back moments later when a great chance to score fell to Edwards but the striker dragged his shot over the bar after Manlee Brown headed down a Glowacki cross into the box. Not long after that Hyun-Jin Lee saw a crisp shot go past the far post following a good ball into the box from McLeod.

In the final minute of the half, Grays blew a chance to double their lead. A rare mistake from Redbridge’s skipper Glen Golby presented Osbourne with a clean run on goal, but the youngster saw his well-timed shot saved by Justham and the chance was gone.

Gray clearly came out wanting to wrap up the game up for their manager Julian Dicks, but despite their pace in midfield they failed to test Justham in goal with Docker, McEvoy and Small all shooting wide of the goal.

Redbridge though were resilient and as the half wore on, begun to push for an equaliser. That equaliser came 10 minutes from time. Good play by Tom Stephen pushing forward from left back down the byline caused the visitors problems and a smart ball into the box brilliantly found McLeod who was able to strike a powerful shot into the right hand corner of the net. It was a top class finish from the forward and his 12th of the season.

It was just what the team deserved and although McLeod had got the goal, the team duly made a point in praising the role of Stephen in the build up to the goal during the celebration. For someone only 18 yrs old, Stephen has become a key member of the side and his hardwork is clearly being noticed on the pitch.

Redbridge pushed for the winner but good defending from Grays kept the ball out of the penalty area. A good point for the Motormen, given Gray’s previous form and one which Jody Brown will hope the side can build on going into a winnable-game against Harlow at the weekend.

Redbridge: Elliott Justham, Bradley Hamilton, Tom Stephen, Jonathan Glowacki, Sean Crossley, Glen Golby, Julian Ashby, Hyun-Jin Lee, Manlee Brown, Julian Edwards, Kevin McLeod.

Adam Dennehey caught up with our manager Jody Brown after the game and found out his take on the result. To download and hear the interview go to http://www.mediafire.com/?ejhq6jhwgrhzkaw.