Depleated Redbridge swept aside

26 November 2009

ON THE SPOT: Leon Diaczuk scored a consolation penalty for Redbridge.

INJURY-HIT Redbridge were swept aside 3-1 by Maldon Town at Oakside on Saturday, writes BEN WELCH.

As Dave Ross reshuffled his war-torn pack, the Blues' new manager Colin Wallington, was able to select from a newly-formed squad.

Since his appointment at Wallace Binder, Wallington has been on a recruitment drive, drafting in players with experience in non-league's higher echelons.

Missing injury victims Mark Nougher, Alex Read, Harry Oniha and Lee Matson, the Motormen struggled in this Ryman League Division One North clash.

After Saturday's showing Ross believes Maldon Town are a stronger team than their league position suggests.

"It was disappointing. Maldon Town are a half decent side, they will not be near the bottom come the end of the season," he said.

"Their league position belies their budget, manager and ability.

"I wasn't pleased with the performance, but we did have four players out injured.

"I'm not making excuses, we've got a strong enough squad to deal with absentees, but it does make a difference.

"We've got to cut out the individual mistakes and make more of our chances.

"Luck hasn't been on our side, but again that's not an excuse.

"I believe in the players and we've got to work hard together to improve."

After a bright start at Oakside, Redbridge fell behind when a rare mistake from Dave McCartney was punished by Sean Develley inside 10 minutes.

The Maldon Town player pounced on a slip from the keeper as he tried to gather a back-pass header.

Eight minutes later and the visitors doubled their lead.

Lee Underwood beat Sonny Adams before sending in a great cross inside the box where Jack Jeffries was on hand to scramble the ball home.

Maldon sealed the points two minutes before half time, when poor defending from the home side presented them with a third.

A tame delivery from Louis O'Sullivan should have been cleared, but Redbridge made a mess of it and Develley made them pay with his second.

The one highlight of a scrappy second half was Redbridge's consolation goal.

The referee pointed to the spot following a hand ball and Leon Diaczuk made no mistake.

Redbridge: McCartney, Adams, Habu, Alder, Peddie, Diaczuk, Cole, Ashby, Ross, Georgiou, Gillingham.