Three Points Gained

AFC Sudbury’s fine away form continued on Saturday in the wind and rain at Oakside Stadium when a goal in each half gave them a comfortable win.

This was a very one-sided game and the margin of victory would have been much greater but for some fine home goal keeping by Mark Parker and stout defending which included numerous goal line clearances.

Sudbury boss David Batch made just one change from the side that started the previous game with the available again defender Jack Wilkinson returning at the expense of Lee Flynn who dropped to the bench.

AFC had a strong wind at their backs in the first half and they attacked from the off. From their first attack Correy Davidson won a left win corner and from the flag kick Ryan Henshaw headed over.

With less than three minutes on the clock Sudbury had the first of three penalty appeals turned down. Kris Newby broke into the box at pace and appeared to be pulled back by a defender. It looked certain spot kick but referee Mr. Jerden waved play on much to the disgust of the Sudbury bench.

Little was seen of Redbridge as an attacking force throughout the game but they did create a rare chance after six minutes when Chinedu McKenzie broke clear down the right but he dragged his effort wide of the far post, thereby not testing keeper Marcus Garnham who will seldom have a quieter game.

Play was soon at the other end and the Redbridge defence was kept busy.

The only booking of the game came after 15 minutes when Davidson was felled in full flight by Leon Smith. The Redbridge defender was rightly yellow carded.

Redbridge survived a goal mouth scramble which resulted in a throw-in on the left. It was taken by Wilkinson and his long throw into the box found Ryan Henshaw and his looping header beat Parker to give Sudbury the lead after 23 minutes.

Sudbury continued to press and Davidson was brought down in the area but nothing was given.

Redbridge continued to defend stoutly none more so than when Newby beat keeper Parker to the ball only to be forced wide and twice in succession Parker saved well.

Half time: Redbridge 0 AFC Sudbury 1

The second period started in heavy rain with Sudbury continuing to pile on the pressure causing the Redbridge defence to work over time.

Midway through the half Newby broke into the Redbridge box only go down under pressure. Again penalty appeals fell on deaf ears.

Keeper Parker continued to save anything that came his way and twice he was beaten only to be saved by goal line clearances.

The Sudbury pressure finally paid off with nine minutes remaining when, from a goal mouth scramble, the ball fell to skipper Sam Clarke (pictured) who rifled home an unstoppable 22 yard shot past Parker to double the lead. Even then the assistant raised his flag, apparently for Sudbury players in an offside position. But after consultation the referee allowed the goal to stand to seal another away win, that sees Sudbury move up to sixth place in the league.

Attendance: 84

PAT ARBON