Redbridge rivals meet in league this weekend with plenty at stake for both sides

Woodford head coach Tom Redfern feels momentum is with his side ahead of a meeting with borough rivals Wanstead in London Two North East on Saturday.

The Highams club make the trip to the Herons this weekend for the second Redbridge derby of the season, having lost the previous meeting between the rivals in December.

Woodford head into the match with four wins in their last six matches in the league, a run of form that has seen them clamber out of the relegation zone.

The Highams club will hope to continue that form with a win over Wanstead on Saturday, and Redfern is keen for his team to continue their upward trajectory.

“Momentum is well and truly with us now and we’ll be looking to build on recent displays again this weekend,” he said.

“Winning is a good habit to have and the boys are confident now, both in their ability and in our game plan.

“We know we still have to perform to win and we can’t let our form make us complacent.”

There is plenty riding on the game for Woodford this weekend, with both bragging rights and vital league points up for grabs.

The prospect of a derby at such a late stage in the season will add spice to what is already an important game for the Highams club.

But Redfern is keen for his team to be as professional as possible against Wanstead, knowing it will aid them in their quest for the win.

“It’s a derby, but we can’t afford to let ourselves get caught up in the emotion of it,” he added.

“We still have a job to do in terms of staying up, so we will have to put the emotion to one side on Saturday.

“Our focus will be on doing what we need to do to get the win and we’ll be sufficiently prepared for that.”

Woodford start the weekend knowing should they win and other results go their way, their place in the division next season may be secured.

And Redfern is keen for the Highams club to secure safety as soon as possible, adding: “There’s still a chance that 33 points (what Woodford currently have) might not be enough to stay up, and that shows the strength of the league.

“If we can beat Wanstead this weekend, we will take a big step towards remaining in the league next year.

“We have to leave the emotion to one side and I’m sure both teams will be looking for their best display on the day.”