An unfortunate own goal by Redbridge skipper Aaron Scott decided a poor game at the SCT.

After a poor first half that “thankfully” slipped into the history books without too much opposition, the half time introduction of top scorer Tyrus Gordon Young whose arrival at the ground had been delayed proved almost instant dividends as he fired across the face of goal within 30 seconds of the restart.

The breakthrough finally came on 50 minutes and had a deal of fortune about it as Michael Spencer’s drive cannoned in off Scott, who simply couldn’t get out of the way of the rebound as keeper Jack Avery had made a great block with his legs.

The home side were comfortable until against the run of play on 72 minutes, Joe Gent showed great skill bursting through only to shoot wide.

It was a miss that kicked the home side into life and Gordon-Young missed a guilt edged chance to kill the game off when clear through.

And it could have proved so costly as with just four minutes left, Gavin Cockman’s cross shot crashed off the inside of the back post and keeper Rob Budd was first to react to claw the ball away from Kacy Adams.

From the resulting corner Shane Wallace had Budd back pedalling to palm the ball over the bar.

THAMESMEAD – Budd, Osifuwa, Probets, Hopkins (Gordon-Young HT), Hallam, Benner, Asante, Traore, Spencer, Uwezu (Dauti 78), Duncan (Porter 68)

Subs – Anidugbe, Mansanet

REDBRIDGE – Avery, Tatham (Ronnie Winn 85), George Winn, Thomas, Scott, Thomas, Scott, Nougher, Gent, Hunt (Damali 68), Cockman, McKenzie (Adams 68), Wallace

Subs – Ronnie Winn, Reece Morgan, Belinder

Referee – Mr D Richardson
Assistants – Mr D Fenner & Mr T Bishop