After a disappointing result against Wapping 2s last week, Redbridge looked to bounce back and keep their promotion hopes alive against bottom of the table Uni Essex. Every game being a must win game from here on in, especially with the fact Wapping (2nd) were playing Southend (1st) this weekend too.

It wouldn’t be a Redbridge and Ilford meet without some sort of avoidable drama. This time, Alex Riddick telling the team he will meet at the club, only to let Dylan know at 10.30am that he will in fact be going straight to the pitch.

With the whole team arriving in one piece, and after Charlie convincing the lady to allow us get changed in humane conditions and not in a shack – the game began. Redbridge, as expected, began in the ascendency and Dylan was able to convert from close range to make it 1-0. A few minutes later Marc made it 2-0 with Redbridge well on top. Complacency then kicked in, with poor basics and lack of cool heads allowing Uni Essex to still remain well in the game. It was only 5 minutes before half time Redbridge were able to extend their lead. A smart short corner routine, Marc deflecting on the bar but was quickest to react, squaring the ball to Josh for another tap in.

Redbridge knew this was an opportunity to close the goal difference on the teams sitting above them. There was bold claims before the game by Dylan & Mike to beat Uni Essex 17-0 (no disrespect to the opposition) to swing the goal difference in Redbridge’s favour.
The second half began, and the story throughout the half was that Redbridge played much better than they did in the first. Aidie much more ruthless with his drag flicks in the second half, Marc bagged a couple more (including a great team goal that saw Aidie, Alex and Dylan all link up). The final whistle blew at Redbridge 9-0 Uni Essex. Not quite 17 but Redbridge running out deserved winners knowing there will more difficult challenges to come. With Wapping losing to Southend, Redbridge next face top of the table Southend.

Team: Charlie, Elliot, Mike, Koolio, JP, Aidie, Andy, Taz, Dylan, Marc, Josh, Riddick, Aneel

Umpire: Merv MoM: Marc DoD: Riddick