Top of the table Motormen faced Romford for the second time already this season having won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in August.
With defenders Joe Elliott and Bradley Bennett missing, Reuben Campbell came in as full back whilst recently signed Daniel Okah was included to the starting line up

It was somewhat of a pedestrian start to the match with both sides in essence cancelling one another out resulting in a shortage of any real goalmouth action, the only effort of note came from a Redbridge corner when Jack Chawner volleyed wide.

The home side began to get a foothold on the game as Solomon Ogunwomoju saw his effort deflected wide before Samraj Gill fired well over.

Romford were unable to find a way through the Redbridge backline getting frustrated at being flagged offside on several occasions.

The referee then had to get his notebook out as he showed a few yellow cards after some late challenges.

A good chance for the home side to take the lead after a cross from the right by Michael Pindy found Miles Peterkin in the middle, he took a touch before getting in a shot which looked to be heading in however a great reaction save from Jake Anderson who was off balance denied the striker.

Into injury time and Romford came forward winning their first corner of the game but as throughout the half defences were on top and the ball was cleared to safety.

The second period began with Romford looking to show more of an attacking threat mainly down the right through the lively Jesse Olukolu, he came forward before cutting inside but his effort lacked any intensity and was easily gathered by Connor Wheatley.

A sloppy period of play followed where both sides gave up possession far too easily as the match became to somewhat stutter

Redbridge then had a dominant spell of possession, Ogunwomoju came forward showing great skill to beat two players but rather than pulling the ball across to a team mate he ended up taking one touch too much which allowed Anderson to come out and collect.

Ogunwomoju then turned provider as his deep cross looked for Peterkin who all alone in the box just needed to connect however he failed to do so and with it the chance went begging.

The opportunities kept coming and Ogunwomoju yet again was involved this time playing a nice give and go with Peterkin before he shot towards the far corner however with Anderson beaten the post came to his rescue and kept his side in it

Romford then came up field and took full advantage as a through ball found the run of Charlie Morris who smartly finished past the outrushing Wheatley, a killer blow which what was only their first shot of the afternoon.

Redbridge then had an appeal for a penalty as substitute Loui Hazlewood first involvement was to find himself on the floor in the penalty area after what appeared a late challenge however the referee waved on play.

With the home side looking for a way back into the match it did leave some gaps at the back and Olukolo with his pace took seized upon the opportunity as he cut inside a defender showing good composure to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net.

With time running out for Redbridge they were struggling to break down a resolute Romford backline, indeed it looked more likely the away side would go grab a third before time was called giving the away side a big 3 points.

report by Adam Silver