Hakan Hayrettin’s side came out of the blocks brilliantly and won a penalty just 80 seconds into the game when their outstanding winger Joao Carlos was fouled inside the area by Lamar Lemonius. Danny Bunce stepped up but saw his spot-kick saved by Dean Neill to his right. It was a great save by the keeper!

Neill’s save seemed to inspire his team-mates who for the best part of half an hour kept Grays from having clear-cut opportunities on goal. That all changed on 34 minutes when a long ball into the box caught Nikki Beale and Paul Shaves out but thankfully Jack West’s shot from point-blank range was tipped round his post by Neill who seemed in inspired form.

Grays defender Craig Pope saw a shot go narrowly wide of Neill’s right-hand post following a goal-mouth scramble before former Redbridge striker Jeff Hammond saw a powerful shot was saved well by Neill down at his feet.

Despite not creating any chances, Redbridge were working their socks off putting in a great team-display and were growing in confidence. It was just a shame that in the final seconds of the half that Charlie Rolls wasted a great opportunity to put some pressure on the visitors as a free-kick from the young left-back fell perfectly into the grateful gloves of Lamar Johnson much to the frustration of the home supporters!

Del Robinson made two changes after the break with Emmanuel Kadia and Lamar Lemonius going off being replaced by Lamar Graham and Ryan Reed. Again Redbridge failed to create any spells of pressure going forward but were inspired at the back with Danny Hayes and Rolls making an incredible double-block to deny a low Carlos drive.

As the half wore on Grays frustrations increased. With five minutes to go Neill made a fantastic save to deny a Baker header from a corner that was seemingly destined to find the top corner of the net.

Just when it looked like Redbridge were going to hold out for a much-needed point disaster struck when Hammond challenged Neill for a loose ball deep into injury-time. The keeper seemed furious with the forward’s challenge and shoved him to the ground. No penalty was awarded due to the fact the goalkeeper had possession of the ball much to the bewilderment of the visiting fans.

Grays shortly won a corner allowing Baker his moment of magic as the defender acrobatically volleyed in a stunning goal much to the delight of the travelling supporters. There was nothing Redbridge could have done to stop it. Poor Stephen Ikumelo who went in goal after Neill’s dismissal stood no chance.

In the end despite losing the game in heartbreaking fashion, it had been a fine performance from the Motormen who will stay up if they can show as much character, heart and effort in their remaining 12 games this season.

Click here for Del Robinson's post-match interview with Adam Dennehey.

By Lewis Edwards – @LCEdw