Brentwood could still have an influence on who occupies the one relegation spot in Ryman North this season as they still have to visit Redbridge and their next game is on Easter Monday away to Ilford who are now just two points ahead of Redbridge.

Blues included three of their under-18 squad in the side on Saturday, Connor Witherspoon, plus Alex Akrofi and Shadrack Ngandu both of whom were starting in the first team for the first time.

Brentwood’s best chance of a goalless first half fell to Neil Cousins but he hit his shot well over the bar from a good position.

Blues started the second half strongly with Ross Wall forcing Motormen’s goalkeeper Michael Bouditem to make a good save. Wall and Akrofi were then just unable to get a foot on a dangerous cross from the left by Steve Butterworth that flew through the six-yard box.

Akrofi made it 1-0 in the 58th minute with a deft header that went in off the inside of a post from Greg Cohen’s cross.

Redbridge then had their best spell of the game as they hit back. Ryan Doyle made a great clearance off the line to keep out a low drive from Marvin Farrell and Brentwood keeper Richard Wray saved well from an Anthony McDonald shot that looked to be heading for the top corner.
And the visitors got their reward when Ngandu was penalised for handball in the area and Cleaver scored from the resulting penalty kick in the 69th minute.

Almost immediately, Darren Blewitt thought he had restored Blues’ lead but his goal was disallowed for offside. Ngandu had a great chance to score in the 82nd minute but he failed to connect properly from a few yards out with an empty goal gaping in front of him.

Steve Butterworth also went desperately close to a late winner for Brentwood, shooting just past the post, but Redbridge hung on for the draw.

Report courtesy of www.brentwoodtownfc.co.uk