Grays Athletic 0, Redbridge 2

GRAYS suffered a third defeat this season at the hands of Redbridge when the two clashed at Chadfields on Wednesday evening in the Isthmian North.

Redbridge has already won their home league encounter 4-3 and won in the Velocity Cup on penalties. The hat-trick of successes saw them move into the play-off zone, while the momentum Grays had started after successive wins has now dissipated with two home defeats.

The match began at a lively pace, both sides looking to assert themselves early on. The home side forced several early corners, but much of the play in the opening exchanges saw the ball spending more time in the air than on the deck.

The first real chance fell to Redbridge when a poor defensive clearance found Solomon Ogunwomoju, who burst down the left flank before cutting inside, only to see his effort gathered comfortably by George Marsh in the Grays goal.

Ogunwomoju continued to find space on the left, delivering a fine cross for Fotsing Pitoula-Wabo to connect with — though the striker's finish was straight at Marsh, and the assistant's flag was already raised for offside.

Redbridge began to turn up the tempo. Malach Napa beat his marker with ease and aimed for the top corner, but his strike lacked conviction, flying high and wide of the target.

Grays Athletic then carved out their best chance of the half when Harry Hope latched onto a neat lay-off, only to see his first-time effort superbly tipped over by Samuel Nwabuko.

The Motormen almost snatched the lead just before the interval, Ogunwomoju again proving a menace down the flank. His cross found Prince Sikiru arriving at the back post, but the forward couldn't quite apply the finishing touch from close range.

The home side came out strong after the restart, applying pressure on the Redbridge defence. Pitoula-Wabo found himself through one-on-one with Marsh, but his attempted lob drifted just wide of the upright — his final action before being replaced by Soumen Nandi, who immediately injected pace and energy into the attack.

The breakthrough finally came midway through the half. Sikiru drove forward, weaving past several challenges before slipping the ball to Karl Kayembe. After his initial effort was blocked, Kayembe kept his composure to stab home at the second attempt, giving Redbridge a deserved 1–0 lead.

Grays threatened to equalise shortly after when awarded a free kick in a promising position, but Michael Bareck's strike was comfortably dealt with by Nwabuko.

Moments later, Redbridge doubled their advantage to seal the contest. A precise through ball from Jack Chawner released Ogunwomoju, who rounded Marsh and fired emphatically into the roof of the net to make it 2–0.

That proved the killer blow as Grays struggled to break down a resolute Redbridge defence. Despite seven minutes of added time, the visitors held firm to claim a well-earned three points.