The Motormen were back in action at the Oakside in what was only their 3rd game of the New Year and a whole 10 weeks to the day since their last home match. Buckhurst Hill were standing in their way , a side who certainly knew where the goal was however very unpredictable in form where they either seemed to win or lose with only the one league draw so far this season.

The first good move of the game came from the away side who broke with pace down the right flank however the cross was cleared away, at the other end Ibrahim Kehinde won a free-kick which recently signed defender Reece Hewitt blasted straight into the defensive wall.

Redbridge were winning the majority of second balls and looked lively going forward especially down the right though the trickery of Michael Pindy although as yet there was little to separate the two sides and no real clear cut chances to speak of.

Buckhurst Hill came forward with the ball being spread to George Johnson, he tried his luck from range but Connor Wheatley in goal was untroubled as the ball was always rising.

From a Redbridge corner Jack Chawner went close as his shot looked to be heading for the back of the net however the ball was blocked on the line with Buckhurst Hill defenders back in numbers.

Ex Redbridge striker Hassan Nalbant then won his side a free kick on the left side of goal, it was quickly taken by Moss into the path of Nathan Sollosi who tried to flick the ball first time past Wheatley however he was alert and made the save.

In the final minutes of the half Redbridge came close on two occasions as Adi Connolly was called upon to make good stops from Jamie Price and secondly Samraj Gill before the half time whistle was then blown.

Into the second period and the away side were awarded a free kick after Bradley Bennett was alleged to have fouled his man, James Moss saw his curled attempt jut rise over the bar.

Redbridge came closest to scoring when skipper James Barlow found himself forward flicking the ball past the onrushing Connolly but his defenders were able to race back and help him out denying what would have been a simple tap in.

The home side continued to attack and came close once again when Nathan Okoye saw his header cleared off the line, moments later there were big shouts for a penalty when Hewitt went down in the box however the referee deemed the player had dived and presented him with a booking.

Buckhurst Hill then came forward after Chawner lost possession in midfield, the ball was played forward into the oath of Johnson but the striker rather rushed his shot allowing Wheatley to make a comfortable side when he really should have done better.

Barlow then put over a lovely cross to the far post finding Price who could only succeed in blasting wide, a glorious chance wasted for the home side to take the lead.

With time running out both sides looked to their benches , further chances came for both sides as Nalbant firstly dragged a shot wide before Redbridge substitute Tony Martin looked to find fellow sub George Purcell but just as he was about to pull the trigger good defending denied him the chance.

An entertaining final minutes saw both sides looking for the winner, Solossi shot wide of the upright before there was late drama as Martin and Purcell combined in the box and just as he tried to cross he fell to the ground under a challenge and the referee did not hesitate to award the penalty.

Angry shouts from the BH players and management who clearly believed it was not a foul however it would not change any decision and up stepped Martin to fire home from then spot. With little time remaining Redbridge were able to see the game out and secure the win, harsh on the opponents who had battled well all afternoon however the home side get an all important win and remain 2nd in the table.

report by Adam Silver