Redbridge came into this match in recent good form having won their previous three league matches however opponents Hadley’s run sees them having won their last nine and not tasting defeat in the league since August.

The match began at lightning speed as Hadley looked to attack through the pace of their winger Solomon Ofori who was proving to be a very tricky customer. The first chance fell to the away side as Emmanuel Hammond was put through on goal but denied by the quick thinking of Florent Giseltte in the Redbridge goal who spread himself well.

The home side immediately went up the other end as Hassan Nalbant who was playing in a wider position dug out a cross from the left finding Taylor Tombides who blasted over from close range.

Redbridge were having to defend in numbers and they were certainly called upon as they put their bodes in the way to block two attempts although then broke up field through Darnell Bromfield however he chose the wrong option deciding to square the ball when he was better placed to shoot.

Ofori then got behind the Redbridge defence before being upended by Gislette and although the loose ball was put over the top the referee pulled back play and awarded the penalty much to the annoyance of the home bench as play had been allowed to continue.

Alfie Bantram stepped up and although he connected well Gislette showed fast reactions to get down to his left and palm the ball away. Hadley continued to press and look the more dangerous almost got in on goal as Ofori skipped past Gislette however the goalkeeper yet again got to the ball first and deny a certain goal.

It was the home side who then opened the scoring when Tom Harvey played a delightful reverse pass into the path of Tombides who made no mistake slotting home past Alex Gavriloaia.

If Hadley were stunned by that they never expected to concede again so soon as within two minutes they fell further behind as Bromfield picked up a pass from Harvey before letting fly from outside the area. Although Gavriloaia managed to get a hand to the ball he was unable to keep out the effort and was beaten by the power.

With half time rapidly approaching Hadley gave themselves a lifeline as Stephen O’Hara fired through a crowded penalty box seeing his shot hit a post and bounce over the line.

The second half began with the same intensity as in the first period with Hadley hitting a post direct from a corner before the rebound was fired over whilst Tony Martin tried his luck for Redbridge shooting low which required Gavriloaia to make the save.

Nalbant showed great strength to beat two defenders before putting over a ball looking for Bromfield at the far post, but he agonizingly shot wide when it appeared easier to score.

Redbridge were needing to defend in number as Hadley threw everything at them in search of the equaliser and their persistence was finally rewarded when Luke Jupp swung over a cross finding substitute Jason Rice who headed home.

Redbridge although disheartened at conceding never let their heads dropped and their work rate paid off all be in fortunate circumstances. A ball was put into the middle finding Nalbant who knocked the ball down to Martin and although he failed to get the required connection, he mishit the ball which sneaked into the corner of the net prompting wild celebrations.

Hadley still had time to see another chance go begging before full time was finally called on what was certainly a good spectacle for those in attendance with both sides showing real credit to the ESL.

Redbridge with that win move into the top 10 and look forward to visiting basement side Sawbridgeworth Town at the weekend.

report by Adam Silver