Redbridge defender Shane Lemard attempts to clear during the 1-1 draw with Ilford. Pic: Rosalind Butt

Lucas insists his ship won’t sink

Ilford manager Kevin Lucas insists there is clear evidence of where the club’s “ship is sailing” after their 1-1 draw at Redbridge on Saturday.

For most of the season their boat looked to be sinking, but after just two defeats in their last five games, Lucas believes there is real hope they can move off the bottom of the Ryman One North table — despite claiming the result at Redbridge was a case of two points dropped.

The Foxes were forced to come from behind after Jacob Cleaver’s 10th goal for Redbridge put the home side ahead after 12 minutes.

But Ilford responded with a stunning left-foot strike from Dan Crowie — on his debut — just a few minutes before the break.

And despite the hosts going closest in the second half when Antony McDonald hit the post, Lucas is adamant his side should have won the game after several chances went begging.

Paul Oshin’s header was one of two efforts cleared off the line by Shane Lemard, while Crowie went close to scoring a second.

Lucas said: “I think it was a case of two points dropped and that was the general opinion at the ground.

“We played tremendous football and totally outplayed the opposition.

“We conceded a stupid goal against the run of play when we failed to clear the ball and it fell straight to their player. But we hit back with an absolute rocket of a shot and I think we deserved the three points.

“Redbridge were at home but they were forced to play on the break for much of the game. The signs are so encouraging and positive.

“We can now see where our ship is sailing and we can take a lot of heart from the way we played.”

Ilford entertain fifth-placed Aveley on Saturday and Lucas says his men have nothing to lose by going for goal.

Lucas added: “People will be expecting it to be a run-of-the-mill win for Aveley.

“This is a different type of pressure from the Redbridge game because nobody expects us to get anything.

“So it’s up to us and what have we got to lose?”