A brisk Friday evening saw the Motormen made the short trip up the M11 to Harlow the current home of Woodford Town in what was new manager George Christou’s first match in charge.

New signings Jamie Price and Abdishakur Farah came straight into the starting line up whilst two reserve players were promoted up to the bench.

Within the opening minute Redbridge keeper George Martin had to be alert as he was forced into a save down low to his left after Woodford’s number 9 had got himself forward.

Redbridge opened the scoring with their first real attack, a cross field pass was played over a defender’s head by Farah finding Craig Hall unmarked and he was able to drill the ball powerfully past the goalkeeper.

The early goal allowed the Motormen to take control of the match as they looked good in possession whilst Woodford were not able to penetrate their back line. It was so close to a second goal for the Motormen as Farah played in James Barlow who got to the ball first but agonisingly looked on as the ball dropped the wrong side of the upright.

9 for Woodford had a good run into the box but was eventually crowded out and only ended up with a corner for his efforts.

James Barlow then saw his shot from a wide angle sting the keeper’s fingertips but he was able to hold onto the ball.

Woodford Town then had their best spell of the game so far and were close to grabbing an equaliser when the ball almost fell kindly to Woodford’s 11 however Jack Blackledge got in an important tackle to take the ball away from him just in time.

11 then saw his effort deflected wide which was to be the final opportunity of the half.

Straight from kick off Redbridge scored their second goal as Barlow was given far too much space on the left and his cross found Terry Amaofo infront of goal and with the keeper out of his goal he had the simplest of tasks as he practically walked the ball over the line.

A minute later and two should have been three when Craig Hall got infront of the Woodford back line and stabbed the ball just wide of the post with the keeper beaten.

Barlow then almost got himself on the action as a dangerous cross from Amaofo fell at his feet but he could only manage to find the side netting.

Craig Hall then saw his free kick cannon back against the goalkeeper straight into the path of Barlow who somehow managed to blaze over from close distance when it seemed easier to score.

Amaofo then was allowed far too much space as he ran straight toward goal and crashed his shot which smashed against the crossbar and down onto the line before being cleared away to safety, was it a goal?

Redbridge were well in control but the chances continued to go begging which gave Woodford a glimour of hope
VAR - where you are when we need it !!!

Redbridge were well in control but with these missed opportunities it allowed Woodford a glimour of hope which they almost took when good work by their 10 saw him round Martin and although his shot looked to be heading into the back of the net it looked like the wind came to Redbridge’s rescue as the ball crawled along the goalline before hitting a post and bouncing away.

That was the closest either side to scoring again and Redbridge saw the match out to grab their first win of the season whilst Woodford’s poor start continued and they remain bottom of the ESL.

report by Adam Silver