Redbridge hosted St Margaretsbury on the opening day of the new 2019-20 season and would have certainly loved a repeat of the score line when these sides last met on the final day of last season which resulted in a record 10-0 victory for the Motormen.

The home side almost took an early lead after James Barlow put a lovely ball into the middle looking for Dan Gilchrist and although he connected well Reece Grundy in goal stood firm and saved with his feet.

Moments later good work by Connor Okus saw the ball played into the area but the eventual shot from Taylor Tombides was flashed wide.

Gilchrist then again got himself into a good position allowing himself time to control the ball before firing over the bar.

At the other end and almost a scare for Redbridge when Rafa Duyile found himself in space and it required keeper George Martin to make the save before shortly after Courtney Clay curled an effort just over.

Redbridge did take the lead on 13 minutes when Gilchrist ran onto a through ball from Tombides and made no mistake slotting home past Grundy.

Andy Greenslade almost made immediate amends at the other end but Martin once again proved his worth with a fine stop.

Barlow did well out wide managing to loop in a cross finding Gilchrist who got in front of his marker and dug out a shot which Grundy managed to block.

Panic followed in the St Margaretsbury penalty box as a scramble almost led to firstly Connor Okus and then Gilchrist both scoring before the ball was eventually cleared to safety.

St Margaretsbury then attacked with Clay who played a lovely ball into the path of Lance Vigo who strode forwrad but his shot lacked any power and was easily gathered by Martin.

The final chance of the half fell to Redbridge when Barlow got forward down the left wing putting over a cross finding Tombides all alone at the far post but from close range he missed the target when it seemed easier to score.

The first chance of the second period went to the away side as Vigo got down the right flank crossing the ball for Andy Greenslade who show just wide of post.
It was certainly a better showing from the away side this half as they continued to put pressure on Redbridge as they pressed for an equaliser which almost came when a shot was deflected into the path of Greenslade but he lost his footing at the vital moment and with it the chance went begging.

Redbridge finally put daylight between the sides when a ball was played across the box and there waiting was Tombides having the simple task of firing home.
The home side almost made it three when Gilchrist waltzed around the keeper before the ball then rebounded to Barlow but Grundy fortunately was able to quickly grab the ball back.

Tombides then saw his powerful effort sting the palms of Grundy before St Margaretsbury substitute Tom Opoku fired a good chance wide.
Redbridge substitute Charleston Brown then dug the nail in the coffin with another goal as he ran onto a through pass from Craig Hall and fired home.

All in all a good opening day victory and more importantly three points on the board which we take into our next fixture away at Ilford in midweek.

Report by Adam Silver