Redbridge were held to a stalemate at the Oakside against ex Redbridge manager Terry Spillane’s Maldon & Tiptree side.

The Motormen went into the match full of confidence after the weekend win over Needham Market and it was no surprise that the starting line up remain unchanged. Top scorer Daniel Charge returned after missing the weekend and started on the bench.

Maldon started well and the first chance of note fell to Aaron Condon and he attacked down the left flank but pulled his effort wide.

Redbridge soon found their passing game and Emiel Aiken controlled the ball before spraying it out wide to Daniel Tenkorang but he could only drag his shot past the post.

A mix up in the home defence saw Patrick Damali’s headed clearance fall short dropping at the feet of Maldon captain Danny Johnson and although his effort beat Dave McCartney’s the Redbridge keeper would have been glad to of seen the effort go wide.

Maldon were gaining the upper hand but Redbridge were playing high up the pitch catching them offside on numerous attempts. The tackles were soon flying in as the game became more physical and it was ex Redbridge striker Jacob Cleaver who soon found himself on the end of a such challenge and was unable to take any further part in the match.

As the 1st half drew to a close the home side had their best chance when Aiken flicked the ball onto Tenkorang who cut inside his marked but failed to beat the keeper who saved down low.

The 2nd half started at a much faster pace and Abs Thompson broke free down the left flank but his cross came to nothing. Soon after Aiken capitalised on a Maldon error and broke free before his pass just evaded Tenkorang who was just a foot away from making contact with the open goal at his mercy.

Minutes later the same two players were again in action but Tenkorang’s headed from Aiken’s cross went just wide.

As the match continued the home side looked the more likely to score and went closest when substitute Jack Sawyer’s long range effort scraped off the top of the bar.

In the end both sides were happy to settle for a point and Redbridge have to be pleased with four points from two tough matches against top opposition.

report by Adam Silver