Having already beaten Needham 3-1 at home in the FA Trophy this season, Redbridge were confident of repeating the result and they got off to the perfect start by grabbing the lead after three minutes. Ben Bradbury played the ball to Michael Toner who whipped the ball across the edge of the box in the direction of Joe Gardner.

The forward struck the ball perfectly with a scissor-kick and was as surprised as anyone inside the Oakside when he saw his shot creep past Andrew Plummer into the bottom corner. It was the forward’s eighth goal of a highly productive season and one he won’t forget fast.

Redbridge came close to doubling their lead after that but Nathan Gordon twice saw near-range efforts inside the area blocked with Ryan Wade also seeing an effort blocked. Needham then began to gradually grow into the game and after two half-chances equalised.

Referee Mellor adjudicated that Michael Toner despite winning the ball had fouled Needham’s skipper Rhys Barber inside the area and awarded a penalty to the visitors. Angelo Harrup stepped up sending Joe Wright the wrong way to the delight of Needham’s supporters.

A minute before half-time Needham took the lead when Scott Chaplin spectacularly half-volleyed a shot from 20 yards past the outstretched arm of Joe Wright after Redbridge failed to clear a cross from the left. It was the worst way for the half to end for the hosts.

Shortly after the restart Harrup was sent off after a rash challenge on Gardner just inside Redbridge’s half. It was a bad challenge from the midfielder and one that Mellor rightfully punished with a red card. Gardner thankfully was fit enough to continue.

Despite having a man's advantage, Redbridge for some reason failed to grab control of the game and at one stage it looked like Needham would get a third goal to wrap the game up. Deakin Napier looked a threat and went close forcing Wright into a save at his near post.

With six minutes to go, it looked as if the game had fallen out of reach for the Motormen after Matt Turpin was given a straight red card after referee Mellor adjudged that the defender had elbowed Danny Bloomfield who in fact had just collided with the big centre-back.

Against the odds Redbridge equalised a minute later. Good play down the right enabled substitute Shane Wyllie to run down the flank, strangely Needham’s keeper Plummer ran out of his area to thwart the pacey winger, who skilfully rounded him before sending a ball across the box.

Toner was on hand to powerfully fire home inside the area with the hardworking midfielder picking up his second goal for the Motormen since joining from Heybridge Swifts last month. Redbridge’s supporters and players were clearly delighted, but more was to come.

Incredibly Redbridge won the ball back from the kick-off and before Toner’s goal was announced over the tannoy, Wyllie broke forward down the right playing the ball to Gordon who sensationally crossed for Gardner to head home at the back post.

It was a stunning strike and one that sent Redbridge’s fans and players into delirium in the stands and on the terraces. Needham pushed for an equaliser but Glen Golby marshalled his defence well who held on for a famous win to move up to 14th in the table.

There’s no reason why Spillane’s side can’t push for the play-offs this season as the team based on recent performances are certainly good enough to beat the best teams in the division, who will surely be looking over their shoulders if results continue to improve for the Motormen.

Redbridge: Joe Wright, Jamie Haywood, Vinnie Durrant, Matt Turpin, Glen Golby, Daniel Hopkins, Ben Bradbury (Shane Wyllie 79), Michael Toner, Joe Gardner, Ryan Wade (Ryan Murray 74) (Stuart Hepburn 90)), Nathan Gordon.

Click here for Adam D's interview with our manager Terry Spillane from after the game.