Friday night football returned to the Oakside as Redbridge hosted Ilford in what was more commonly known as the 169 derby.

Ilford had already got the better of the Motormen earlier in the season winning 2-1 as they knocked their opponents out of the FA Cup.

The opening stages were of little note with no chances to speak of until the 9th minute when a ball across caught Bradley Bennett stretching allowing Emerson Dju in on goal and he slid the ball under the outcoming George Martin to put the foxes into an early lead.

Redbridge almost responded immediately as a free kick was was into the box finding Nathan Okoye alone in front of goal but he was unable to make any connection and before he knew it the chance had gone.

Moments later and the away side had doubled their lead and did so in spectacular fashion, Agenim Asyedan picked up the ball on the right flank before cutting inside and curling a sublime effort leaving Martin clutching at air.

Ilford were now on top looking lively as they came forward but at the same time were defending well in numbers making it difficult for Redbridge to create any clear cut chances.

The closest they came was when Abdishakur Farah tried his luck from long range which required Dev Bharma in the Ilford goal to tip over for a corner.

The hosts were starting to knock on the door now and forced a series of corners which saw some desperate defending and goalmouth scrambles to deny a them a way back into the match.

Ilford had the last attack of the half as ex Redbridge striker Michael Ogboin saw his tame effort easily gathered by Martin.

The second half continued in the same vein with Ilford defending managing to keep their opponents at bay and Redbridge looked to the bench making an early double substitution as Josh Sykes and Tony Martin entered the fray.

There was nearly a heart in mouth moment for defender Olamiji Ayoola as he headed the ball back and saw it drop just over the cross bar out for an Ilford corner.

With twenty minutes remaining the Motormen pulled a goal back, Robbie Norris crossed from the right finding Martin who saw his powerful headed rebound back off a post straight into the path of Sykes who turned the ball home from close range.

Redbridge now were in the ascendency going in search of an equaliser, Norris robbed a defender but chose the wrong option in shooting when he had team mates in the box better placed.

Ilford substitute Mo Kargbo saw an effort fly wide in a rare attack for Ilford as Redbridge once again came forward , this time Jake Brocklebank unable to keep his shot on target.

With time running out a final chance was spurned as Martin headed over before the full time whistle was blown signalling joyful scenes in the away dugout whilst for Redbridge it was a case of points dropped at the top of the table.

report by Adam Silver