Redbridge give leaders Needham stern test

Redbridge boss Dave Ross insists there are positives to take despite seeing his side lose 3-0 to league leaders Needham Market.

Redbridge went behind in the 11th minute but remained well in the game until two late goals sealed the victory for the visitors.

Ross was content with his side’s performance against a team he feels will finish top of the table.

“There were loads of positives to take from the match. Needham are a very strong team. They’ll probably win the league,” said Ross.

“I thought we matched them up to 75 minutes. They had more legs than us at the end of the game. We hit the post when it was 1-0 and had good chances to equalise.

“When their second goal went in, I thought it was too big a mountain to climb. We played OK, we just played against a better side on the day.”

Fortunately for Redbridge, they did not lose ground on the teams around them as none of the bottom seven sides won.

Ross admits that has been a boost for his side’s chances of avoiding relegation despite losing at the weekend.

“That (the other sides failing to win) is a massive plus for us. If we do beat the likes of Needham or Harlow Town, that’s a bonus,” added Ross.

“But the teams we’ve got to beat are the ones around us. Those game are six-pointers, they are massive games.”

Redbridge have won just one of their last seven league matches.

Despite this, Ross insists he cannot fault the effort from his players.

“The players are giving it everything. We can’t complain with what we’re getting out of the players.

“They want to win as much as the coaches do. I’m sure our luck will change for us soon.”