Redbridge 3 Ware 2

Ryman League, Division 1 North
Redbridge (0)3 Ware (2) 2
Daniel Charge 56 Petrit Elbi 2, 78
Abs Thompson 67 Dan Subuola 35, 40, 87
Daniel Charge 90+3 Att: 30

This was the third successive away defeat by a single goal which Ware might reasonably claim they deserved better from. But they can't say the result was a travesty. If they could "win" a pretty even first half by 2-0 it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that their opponents would take a similarly even second period by 3-0.

However, what adds to the frustration generated by the loss of a two-goal lead through an injury time winner, and also muddies a clear view of the game itself, was the disappointing performance of the referee. Both sides suffered though even the hosts were particularly surprised that their 'keeper, Dean Driscoll, was unpunished for clattering Aaron Cato to the ground after the winger had played the ball past him.

Equally mystifying to both camps was the yellow card for Dave Hunt after what everybody else felt was a great tackle. That play moved on from the resultant free kick to Thompson's equaliser shortly after may be some cause for griping from Ware.

But luck wasn't with them on the day. Redbridge emerged from the half time break intent on an early goal and applied pressure with the wind at their backs. Ware seemed to be riding the onslaught well however and breaking with speed. On one such occasion Tony Martin cracked a shot against the post that would have given Ware a game clinching three goal lead only to see it cannon back upfield to safety. So there was more salt in the wound when a Redbridge shot came back off Matt Gill's post and was buried by Daniel Charge for the winner three minutes into added time.

Martin had already scored for Ware just before half time, turning Tim Shaw's well judged pass into the net. Two minutes earlier Cato had broken the deadlock when Anthony Anstead had seized the initiative with a quickly taken free kick to leave him with the not entirely straightforward task of curling the ball past Driscoll.

And it was Anstead who must take the plaudits for Ware. To his ceaseless running can be added the ability to hold the ball up to make opportunities for himself and others. With that and the return of Ricci Crace Ware can take a lot from this game but unfortunately not the points.

Ware: Matt Gill, Gareth Madden (Sam Bantick), Dave Hunt, Dean Gilbert, Louis Riddle, George Ironton (Tim Shaw), Harry Larner, Ricci Crace, Aaron Cato (Louis Rose), Tony Martin, Anthony Anstead. Not Used: Rhys Madden.