Steve Portway’s men put in a decent performance but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat in what was a tight knit game. Redbridge have been steadily improving since their 8-0 drubbing by Heybridge Swifts but unfortunately haven’t been able to pick up any points since the season opener.

There were a couple of new faces in the Redbridge starting 11 which has been a common occurrence this season. Two wingers were brought in, on the right Frankie Williams and on the left Jordan Watson who scored Redbridge’s consolation at home to Aveley. Spencer Sachies started at left back, taking a more defensive position than his appearance against Soham Town Rangers.

Both sides started the game well with both teams beginning to settle into their own rhythms. The only real action in the opening 10 minutes saw Josh Urquhurt receive a yellow card for verbal abuse towards the referee.

Williams had a great chance to open the scoring in the 14th minute, Lee Newton slipped a ball into Williams’ path but his shot was parried wide. A clear-cut opportunity for Redbridge that should have been converted.
The Scholars struck the cross-bar just minutes later. James Gershfield connected with a long throw from the right but his powerful, looping header bounced off the top of the bar and out for a goal kick.

Williams had showed some quick feet and bags of energy on the right and on the 25th minute had his second chance to mark his debut with a goal. After latching onto a through ball he burst into the box but scuffed his shot again, almost identical to his first chance.

In the 29th minute Redbridge were made to rue their missed chances. Rob Magwood broke the offside trap and connected with a ball over the defensive line, as he burst into the box he was brought down by keeper Jack Avery and was awarded a penalty. James Gershfield stepped up and put the away side in-front, 1-0 Potter Bar.

Ten minutes later Potters Bar could have doubled their lead. A fine through ball by Rob Magwood was slipped narrowly wide by Liam Coles.

With 3 minutes to go before the interval Redbridge had a chance to level the scores. Jordan Watson slide a ball into Newton’s feet from the left wing, as Newton advanced on goal he cut inside but delayed the shot too long and his effort was deflected out for a corner.

Half-Time – The first half had been an even contest and Redbridge were perhaps unfortunate to go behind. Debutant Frankie Williams had shown determination and pace on the right wing but failed to capitalise on two great chances.

Portway made one change at half-time, replacing Charlie Brien and introducing winger Nana Asamoah.

Williams continued to show flair down the right and in the 47th minute his hard-work on the wing created a chance for Morris Adu to shoot from the edge of the box. A powerful driven effort forcing keeper Ed Thompson to tip over the bar.

Daniel Ailey struck the post for Potters Bar in the 55th minute. Magwood flicked on a long ball towards Ailey, the striker controlled and hit the base of the left post with a fine half-volley. A fantastic effort which was unlucky to bounce out off the up-right.

A few minutes later Juan Onieva had a chance to score for Redbridge. From close range in a crowded box the ball fell to his feet but he couldn't connect well enough with the ball and his effort was cleared. Another chance gone begging for Redbridge.

Portway introduced Paul Tiffen with 32 minutes to go, replacing Striker Onieva and two minutes later he replaced Williams with Danny Hayes. The away side responded with a substitution of their own, Liam Coles made way for Cole Penney.

Potters Bar forced a good save out of Avery in the 73rd minute, Chris Doyle burst forwards from left back and into the box, as he cut inside from the left wing he laid the ball off to Ailey who hit a fierce shot towards goal. Avery produced a fine save at his near post.

As the game enter the final 5 minutes Redbridge lost their concentration. The away side took a quick throw in an advanced position on the left wing and broke into the box. Cole Penney squared the ball across goal to the unmarked Daniel Ailey and he tapped the ball in from inside the 6-yard box, 2-0 Potters Bar.

As Potters Bar closed out the game Adam Lee made a double substitution, replacing Wesley Beckles and James Gershfield with Andrew Manitou and Josh Smith.

Full-Time – In what was mostly an even game, the difference between the sides was the ability to convert chances. The Redbridge performances have been improving of late as the management look to be getting towards the right combination but were lacking in the final third in this game.

Positives for the next fixture – Frankie Williams had an energetic debut, he showed some blistering pace down the wing and showed his ability to get into dangerous positions. Morris Adu and Gary Skerritt both showed physical strength and a high work-rate in central midfield. Spencer Sachines was impressive at left-back, he saw through his defensive responsibilities and showed willingness to get involved with attacking moves.

By Lewis Edwards – @LCEdw