Redbridge returned back to league action at the Oakside Stadium after bowing out the FA Cup last weekend to league two high flyers Crawley Town.

Unbelievably they were still in search of their first home win in the league this season and were desperately trying to turn some of their recent cup form into league form. Joe Wright signed from Cheshunt started in goal from the recently departed Adam Rafis whilst Craig Wood took the place of Dan Trenkel who had moved to Great Wakering Rovers in a joint player/managerial role. Aarun Best returned to the side whilst skipper Glen Golby was leading the line in a unorthadox striker’s position.

The Motormen started the strongest and could have been in front within the 1st minute but Joe Gardner saw his lob fall wide of ex Redbridge keeper Elliott Justham’s post. Moments later and Aarun Best powered forward and with the goal in sight he dragged his shot wide. Dean Green then had Brentwood’s best chance when he connected well to a cross but Wright in goal saved well with his legs.

The Motormen continued to pile on the pressure and it came as no surprise when on 18 minutes they took the lead through Lewis Dark’s shot from fully 25 yards out which beat Justham all ends up. It was a great effort from the midfielder and his first goal from returning to the side from injury. Joe Gardner should of made it two moments later when he found himself in space but waited too long to shoot and his effort was comftably saved.

The home side now had complete possesion and the Redbridge full backs were both working well in pushing high up the field creating chances for the strikers. Nathan Gordon and Aarun Best worked well together on the right wing and the ball fell to Glen Golby but his header was off target. We did not have to wait long however before our lead was doubled and it was Gardner who took full advantage on 39mins when he controlled Ben Bradbury’s cross, turned a defender and picked his spot in the net.

Nobody in the ground would of argued with the two goal advantage as the sides went in at half time and it was certainly a much deserved lead for Redbridge. Brentwood certainly needed to improve in the 2nd half and they gave themselves the best possible start when Dean Green scored on 49mins after his long range shot beat Wright at his near post. Redbridge should of then restored the 2 goal advantage as they went staright back up the other end and almost scored but Gardner saw his shot fall agonisingly wide.

The goal for Brentwood seemed to give the away side the confidence they needed and they started to take the upper hand as they went in search of an equaliser. It was therefore no surprise when the fightback was complete on 78mins when Captain Darren Blewitt headed home a cross that looped over goalkeeper Wright and into the back of the net.

Both sides had chances to take the three points in the final minutes , the best of those falling to the away side after good work from ex Redbridge player Steven Butterworth saw him lay the ball fall to Emmanuel Osei but he lacked composure and saw his shot go sailing over the bar. Overall the draw was probably a fair result overall but it will be the home side who will feel the more disappointed after letting a 2 goal lead slip as they still go in search of that elusive home victory.

Redbridge: Joe Wright, Billy Sendall, Vinnie Durrant, Matt Turpin, Glen Golby, Craig Wood (Daniel Hopkins 84), Ben Bradbury, Lewis Dark, Aarun Best (Ryan Wade 74), Joe Gardner (Keke St Hilare 86), Nathan Gordon.