A top six clash at the Oakside as 3rd placed Redbridge hosted 6th placed Saffron Walden Town , it was the 3rd time the sides had met this season with currently honours standing even.

Early warning signs for the hosts as Walden showing their intentions as Craig Calver flashed an effort wide of the upright from the edge of the area.

First big chance of the match then fell to the away side, a cross found Scott Piggott lurking at the far post, he controlled the effort with his chest before firing in a volley which required a fine diving safe from Michael Corderoy in goal.

Most of the play was coming through the away side with Redbridge failing to get a foothold on the game thus far.

A big shout for a penalty as Ryan Melaugh fell to the ground however the referee seemed unimpressed and waved play on much to the frustration of the away bench.

Redbridge finally had their first decent attacking move , Tony Martin crossed from the right finding James Barlow who fed the ball out to full back Jack Roult who saw his cross well defended behind for a corner.

The long throws by Saffron Walden’s Gavin Cockman were proving to be dangerous and causing problems at the back as Redbridge failed to clear their lines before Melaugh volleyed over.

A rare attack for the home side as Michael Pindy crossed from the right, Martin then headed down into the path of Barlow however keeper James Young managed to gather the ball first.

Pindy himself then had a shot which was always rising before Melaugh for Saffron Walden fired a cross well over as the game remained goalless with the half time break approaching.

The second period began and within a minute the deadlock was broken, a cross found Barlow unmarked who guided his headed into the far corner beating Young as the Walden defence switched off.

Almost an immediate response from the away side as Cockman flicked the ball into the path of Piggott who was unable to find the header going down injured in doing so.

At the other end and Redbridge soon doubled their advantage, a free-kick by Jake Brocklebank found Martin in the box who got infront of his marker and smashed the ball home.

A quick fire double for the home side puts them in the driving seat as a stunned Walden side look to the bench for reinforcements however the home side remain on top as they look to kill the game off.

Confusion all around as Chawner was caught by Cockman however play was allowed to continue and Corderoy had to be alert to deny substitute Will McClelland.

Game on with 15 minutes remaining as Saffron Walden pull a goal back, a fine header by McClelland beat the diving Corderoy .

Scarlett fizzed and effort wide before the away side came forward pushed forward looking for the equaliser and it soon arrived, the initial chance looked to have been lost but Cockman kept the move alive crossing for substitute Kris Oti to power his header into the net.

Saffron Walden’s substitutions have certainly paid off as the game entered the final 10 minutes with both sides looking to grab the winner in a frantic finish. Redbridge came oh so close as Barlow headed against the underside of the bar before the ball bounced back down into the welcome arms of Young. The Motormen were looking the most likely to get the goal as Tyrone Scarlett flashed and effort just wide before Robbie Norris curled an effort inches over.

The match then went into added time as Saffron Walden had one final attack which saw Corderoy save from Oti before full time was called on what was a pulsating 2nd half which sees the shares spoilt.

report by Adam Silver