On Remembrance weekend, the Motormen welcomed Witham Town as they looked to close the gap on the sides above them in the league.

Charles Brown Bampoe and Emmanuel Kwatchey both returned to the starting line-up as Redbridge looked to build on their recent performances.

The home side made a positive start, applying early pressure, winning a corner and showing some neat football in the opening exchanges.

Their bright start was rewarded when Ayodeji Olukoga fired home from close range to give Redbridge the lead. It was a welcome moment of redemption for Olukoga following the red card he received in midweek's London Senior Cup fixture.

Redbridge almost doubled their advantage when Brrown Bampoe found himself through on goal. However, rather than attempting to round goalkeeper Elliott Justham, he opted to shoot, with his effort going too close to the Witham stopper, who was able to make the save.

Witham's first real effort came through Harry Haysom, who advanced forward before sending a tame effort towards goal, allowing Lewis Greene to gather comfortably.

As half-time approached, the visitors began to grow into the game and found an equaliser. George Smith appeared to remain in an offside position before rounding Greene and finishing into an unguarded net to bring Witham level.

The second half began with Olukoga delivering a dangerous cross that evaded everyone in a blue shirt.

At the other end, a ball over the top saw Smith go to ground following a coming together with Olamiji Ayoola. The Redbridge defender was
shown a yellow card, although the Witham forward was clearly hoping for a more severe punishment.

Redbridge continued to search for a second goal. Substitute Usissya Longe saw an effort turned behind for a corner before some excellent skill from Pedro Carvalho created another opportunity. His cross found Longwe, whose close-range effort was superbly saved by Justham.

Brown Bampoe then had another opportunity, but his header was directed straight at the Witham goalkeeper.

The visitors almost took the lead themselves when a dangerous cross beat Greene and struck the crossbar. A goalmouth scramble followed,
with Redbridge eventually managing to clear their lines.

With the Motormen pushing forward in search of a winner, they were dealt a devastating late blow.

Deep into injury time, the ball found its way to substitute Ernest Okoh, who, from a tight angle, unleashed a powerful effort into the roof of the net to send the travelling Witham supporters into celebration.

It was a cruel ending for Redbridge, who had created opportunities to put the game beyond their opponents but ultimately paid the price for not taking them

report by Adam Silver