The Motormen hosted bottom side Leyton at the Oakside who were in desperate need for points in their bid to avoid the drop with just three matches remaining whist the home side were looking to make amends for last weekend’s defeat against Tower Hamlets.

There was almost an early goal for the home side as Dan Gilchrist laid the ball off into the path of Petrit Elbi who connected with a sweet volley however the ball hit the top of the crossbar and went over.

Gilchrist himself then saw his effort easily gathered by Callum Lynskey as the home side enjoyed the lion’s share of early possession. Leyton were looking lively coming forward especially down the right flank as Nyron Dyer put in a teasing cross but none of his team mates were awaiting the ball and the chance went.

A great chance followed for the away side as the ball fell kindly to Said Ali but his shot flew wide of the post, if only the chance had fallen to a striker they could and should have gone in front.

Paul Preston then tried a curling effort which failed to trouble Lynskey before Marcus Carter saw his effort fly well wide before a Liam Burgess free kick was floated towards the far post finding the head of Dean Hall but he could only head wide.

The first chance of the second half fell to Leyton as Dean Florence played in a dangerous ball looking for Steve Wade who got to the ball first but could only fire the wrong side of the post.

Leyton continued to ask questions of the Redbridge defence as the ball was crossed into the middle but Billy Willis failed to clear allowing Dyer a shooting opportunity but he could only shoot straight at Hughes.

Redbridge almost took the lead when a Willis cross found Gilchrist in space but his header rebounded back against the post before the follow up was smothered by Lynskey.

At the other end Kian Ronan put over a good ball finding Dean Florence in space but he volleyed his effort wide.

Substitute Walid Chaib then appeared to be tripped in the penalty box but appeals from players and the bench went unheard and the referee played on before Daniel McCullock headed over from Willis cross.

The deadlock was finally broken when Chaid turned in the box and saw his shot come back off a post only to be bundled in from close range by McCullock with his first goal for the club.

Leyton showed they were still in the contest when Valter Pedro Simao saw his shot well saved by Hughes and although he could not hold onto the ball defenders were able to clear the danger.

A lengthy delay followed when Hughes injured himself coming to collect the ball resulting in him leaving the field on a stretcher as he was replaced by Willis taking over in goal.

With time running out there was a great chance at the death for Leyton , a good ball was put in with the ball falling at the feet of Dylan Florence but some last ditch Redbridge defending prevented the shot as the ball was cleared for a corner.

After five minutes of added time the referee finally ended proceedings giving the home side the victory pushing us up to 11th position with just two matches remaining.

report by Adam Silver