There were doubts to whether the match would go ahead due to the condition of the pitch but after a thorough pitch inspection the officials confirmed the surface was playable.

Forest got off to a flying start by scoring an early goal within just 7 minutes; Antone Douglas whipped in a left footed corner from the right that was met by the run of Dmitri Larin at the front post and his glancing header beat everyone. 1-0 Waltham Forest.

Dean Neil pulled off a number of impressive saves during the match to keep the Motormen in the game, the first coming after 37 minutes; he got fingertips to a fierce shot fired from outside the box that looked destined for the roof of the net, Neil managed to get fingers to the ball at full stretch. A fine save.

Two minutes later the referee denied Forest what looked to be a certain penalty; As Chris Taylor looked to be running onto a chipped ball into the Redbridge 18-yard box, skipper Nikki Beale wrestled Taylor to the floor. Nothing was given by the match officials, a decision that left the away support and bench scratching their heads.

Anthony McDonald was cautioned just before half-time for a dangerous tackle, McDonald got away with a similarly dangerous tackle earlier in the half and perhaps deserved his booking.

Half-Time – The match had been an even affair, both sides had shown nice periods of possession but only the away side had been able to break the deadlock.

Redbridge made a half-time substitution, replacing Anthony McDonald with Christopher Roberts.

Redbridge ‘keeper Neil made another impressive save 10 minutes after the restart; After a spell of possession for the visitors, Taylor found Manu Dagher’s run inside the box and he fired a left-footed drive across goal. Another strike that looked to be heading for goal but Neil was again at full stretch to deny the striker.

Just before the hour mark left winger Lewis Webster received a knock and was forced off, giving Steve Portway another chance to roll back the years with an appearance.

The visitors came close from a corner after 68 minutes; Luke Stanley put in a deep corner from the right, Arian Retkoceri broke free from his marker and connected with the ball but his looping header was denied by the crossbar.

The visitors made their second change after 73 minutes, replacing Stanley with Tunde Adewunbi.

Jacob Cleaver had run himself into the ground and showed dedication to the cause by chasing down every ball he could, the Motormen’s top scorer was replaced minutes later and received a warm applause. Due to a lack of options on the bench substitute ‘keeper Michael Bowditch was needed to play upfront.

Redbridge had a glorious chance to grab an equaliser in the 79th minute; Charlie Rolls played a long hopeful ball forward from the halfway line, his pass looked to be heading out but Ryan Reed didn’t give up on it, he kept the ball in and played a first time pass across the Forest box. Portway was first to react, with the defenders scrambling to get back Portway looked a certainty to score but his bobbling side footed effort was dragged wide.

From the resulting goal-kick Forest had a chance to finish the game; A long ball caught the Redbridge defence unaware and Dagher was played through on goal. Neil was quick off his line to close down the angle and did just enough to deflect Dagher’s shot wide.

Waltham Forest made their final substitutions with 7 minutes remaining, Omar Folkes replaced Chris Webber and Tim Monsheju replaced Dagher.

Redbridge had one more chance to snatch a point late on; A poor corner from the visitors gave Redbridge a chance to counter, Jon Green played the ball up field to Roberts who did well to beat his marker, aided by a slip, Roberts broke into the oppositions half and played a ball through for Bowditch. He entered the box but couldn’t finish as his effort that was dragged just wide.

Full-Time – This turned out to be a pretty even game with both side having chances to increase the score-line. A few odd decisions from the officials added to what was an edgy game.

Positives for the next fixture – Dean Neil put in a good performance; he made a number of fine saves that kept Redbridge in the game. Stephen Ikumelo had a good game too, making some important tackles and going about his defensive duties with confidence.

By Lewis Edwards – @LCEdw

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