On a very wet afternoon at Oakside, new-look Essex Senior League side Redbridge took on Essex Olympian League Division One side and tenants Newbury Forest in the traditional pre-season ‘curtain-raiser’ for the Len Cordell Trophy.

The match began fairly evenly as Forest looked to get their noses in-front before Ricky Eaton & Joey May’s side found their proper rhythm. Redbridge forward Brian Moses had one of his side’s early chances, heading over the bar from a corner on ten minutes. Forest, to their credit, did not wilt and forced the Motormen ‘keeper into two saves in the first 20 minutes. Redbridge gradually found their feet going forward though and took the lead on the half-hour through a cool finish by winger Jason Reynolds-Blanche, passing the ball into the right corner from a narrow angle.

Forest had chances to level, though Redbridge extended their advantage with two goals in as many minutes with new signings Sipho Mytanda and Calvin Poku getting on the score-sheet, the latter was a drilled low effort into the left corner.

Half-Time: Redbridge 3 – 0 Newbury Forest

After the break, the rain really lashed down which made conditions awkward for the players. Both sides had chances in the first 15 minutes of the half, Moses once again denied by the impressive Forest ‘keeper. Newbury Forest got one back mid-way through the second half through a good free-kick tucked into the right corner from 18 yards. This seemed to gee the Motormen up further as with 70’ on the watch, Moses got the goal he deserved, a tap-in following an unselfish pass by full-back Eljay Worrell.

Forest could’ve clawed another goal back, but for a good save from the home ‘keeper from a 20-yard free-kick on 74’. Though to be fair, the last 15 minutes saw the hosts have a series of chances, with the Forest ‘keeper pulling off four good saves in this period of time. Redbridge did get another goal though, six minutes from time as midfielder Patrick Damali slotted home from close range. Straight after the goal, Damali drilled another shot wide though Redbridge did more than enough in the second half to deserve the win and the Len Cordell Trophy!

report courtesy of Scott Waple
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