The Essex Senior League campaign got underway at the Oakside for Redbridge as they faced a tough opener against league favourites Saffron Walden Town.

There were several changes to the Motormen's starting line up from Tuesday night's FA cup defeat against Harpenden Town.

The first attempt of the match fell to the away side as Alfie Hilton tried his luck from distance but the effort was always going wide.

Good work by Hilton saw him find Steven Carvell who fired just over the bar as Saffron Walden started go get on top of proceedings.

Redbridge came forward and had their first effort via striker Lucas Bourne-Warren but his long range attempt failed to trouble Reece Paine in goal.

Carvell played lovely ball out wide into path of Cockman who shot first time and flashed wide

Although the away side were continuing to create the better chances it was the home side who had a chance to take the lead as James Barlow ran onto a through pass before being hacked down in the box leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty.

Redbridge skipper Tom Harvey stepped up and hit the ball low to the keeper's right but it lacked the desired power and Paine was able to get down and push the ball away to safety.

The home side were almost made to pay for that miss when a lovely cross from Carvell found Gavin Cockman at the far post, he connected first time but could only look on as his volley beat George Martin but hit the inside of post before rolling across the goal mouth and finally going out of play.

Keke Orth then had a free kick which just dipped over the bar before at the other end Cockman yet again was denied, this time by the outstretched arm of Martin who reacted well to tip the striker's header over.

As half time approached the referee decided to point towards the bench as Redbridge defender Chikosi Basden was sent to the sin bin for dissent.

The second period began with the lively Cockman once again causing problems however his low shot was caught by Martin.

The opening goal of the game soon followed , a great ball forward from Orth found Barlow who took a touch past Paine and although it looked at first like he may have taken the ball too wide he was able to find the back of the net striking past the despairing dive of two Saffron Walden defenders.

The lead was short lived as Saffron Walden soon levelled, a ball was put into the box finding ex Motorman Lewis Francis unmarked and he smashed a fine finish leaving Martin with no chance, it was already his 4th goal of the season.

A great chance was spurned for the away side as from a long throw in , Karmel Duncan ran into the box and only succeeded to head wide when he really should have hit the target.

The match was opening up with either side looking like they may get the winner and it looked as though it would be Redbridge who would get it when Charleston Browne showed good persistence to win the ball before rolling the ball into the path of Barlow who had the simple take of poking home for his second of the game.

Saffron Walden Town pushed forward in search of the equaliser and were putting plenty of pressure on the Redbridge back line as they forced a series of corners. It looked as though they had done enough to secure the victory however deep into injury time a ball was floated in which found the head of substitute Joe Pullen who headed home and sent the away bench into jubilant scenes.

The referee then called time on what was a good match and although Redbridge would have been disappointed to have conceded a late goal they will be pleased with the performance and to have taken a point off one of the top sides in the ESL.

report by Adam Silver