The entire length of the Ryman Division One North separated A.F.C. Sudbury and Redbridge as the home side took to the Wardale Williams Stadium looking to maintain their strong push towards the league title. Ten games remain for the pace-setters, fixtures which include an away match against A.F.C Hornchurch next weekend (fourth going into this round of matches), and a final (home) match of the season against Harlow Town (currently third) in late April.

Redbridge kicked off the game, attacking the practice pitch end on a bright, but cold late February afternoon. The home side showed first, a throw deep into Redbridge territory from Jack Wilkinson caused momentary panic in the defence before the ball was gratefully smuggled clear.

On seven minutes Sudbury were denied the lead when Luke Callander exchanged passes with Ryan Henshaw, but Callum Chafer was smartly off his line to block Callander’s neat shot. Liam Wales’ latched on to the rebound, but his shot flew over the Redbridge crossbar. Joe Maybanks was next to test Chafer when his fine run ended with an angled drive the ‘keeper did really well to turn around the post.

Liam Wales sent a flat set-piece from the right wing which Craig Parker left forJack Wilkinson to send high over the crossbar. On twelve minutes Hussain Jaffa’s free-kick was headed over the home crossbar in a rare Redbridge sortie into the Sudbury half.

A.F.C. Sudbury had a penalty appeal turned down when Liam Wales took a tumble, but the result was a free-kick to the visitors. Sudbury kept up the relentless pressure and on seventeen minutes Joe Maybanks again ran strongly into the penalty area to deliver for Liam Wales to shoot and see his effort again blocked by the busy and impressive Callum Chafer. On seventeen minutes Chafer raced from his line to deny Wales as he honed in on goal and a minute later as Craig Parker released Ollie Berquez, the Redbridge ‘keeper pulled off a fabulous diving save to keep the tie goal-less.

On twenty-five minutes Craig Parker raced into the Redbridge penalty area and looked to have been sandwiched as he fell to ground, but play continued as a second penalty appeal fell on stoney ground.

A rare Redbridge attack saw Reside Coxi-Sebastfao deliver a right wing corner which Hussain Jaffa headed over the bar. James Baker was fouled by Billy Drake on twenty-six minutes, the Redbridge number ten frustrated by the Sudbury defence’s ability to snuff out any potential danger. Jack Wilkinson delivered the free-kick which was cleared and a breaking Redbridge saw Charlie Portway stopped dead in his tracks by a superb tackle from Ryan Henshaw.

Jack Newman crossed for Ollie Berquez to fire over the crossbar as the Redbridge defence continued to resolutely keep their hosts at bay. Liam Wales then found space to turn at shoot, but again Callum Chafer pulled off excellent save to deny the home side the lead.

Play was scrappy with both sides guilty of sending corner kicks straight out for goal-kicks before, three minutes from the break, Sudbury finally broke the deadlock. Liam Wales fine run along the right wing saw his cross pick out an un-marked Luke Callander who headed the easiest of chances home. Redbridge fought back and only a fine tackle by James Baker kept Billy Drake in check before a fine cross by Emmanuel Sackey picked out Charlie Portway who slotted home the equaliser right on half-time.

Half Time;- AFC Sudbury 1 Redbridge 1

Craig Parker made way for Ben Robinson at the break for A.F.C. Sudbury. Joe Maybanks sent an early cross from the right into Luke Callander (pictured) who turned his shot just wide whilst under pressure from the Redbridge defence.

On forty-eight minutes Billy Drake received a red card for an elbow on Ryan Henshaw which would eventually see the Sudbury defender have to make way as he had sustained a possible broken nose. This would prove to be a turning point in the match as Sudbury were about to make the extra man advantage pay off with interest.

On fifty-four minutes Sudbury regained the lead. Luke Callander did well to hustle the ball from the Redbridge defence and he set up an on-rushing Sam Clarke who sent a rifled shot stinging into the net. Stefano Mallardo came into the action as Ryan Henshaw made way and the tide had well and truly turned Sudbury’s way.

Liam Wales sent a delightful dipping volley towards goal from twenty yards which Callum Chafer again matched with a tremendous save. From Liam Wales’ corner kick from the left, Joe Maybanks drive was blocked by the hand of a Redbridge defender and a penalty was awarded. Luke Callander stepped forward and drove the ball down the middle of the goal to give Sudbury a two goal advantage and steer them into the calm waters of a comfortable lead.

On sixty minutes any lingering doubt, and there can’t have been too much, was dispelled when once again Luke Callander made life extremely difficult for the Redbridge defence and the ball cannoned off defender Steve Good and beyond Chafer for an own-goal.

On sixty-three minutes a lovely hold-up of the ball by Callander saw Sam Clarke rush in on goal, but Chafer’s anticipation saved the visitor’s more torment when he grabbed the ball ahead of the Sudbury skipper’s feet. On sixty-eight minutes Sam Clarke met Joe Maybank’s exquisite cross and hammered the crossbar with a rasping drive.

Ollie Berquez was replaced on seventy minutes with Ross Bailey taking his place. Joe Maybanks then put in a blistering run which saw him shoot with the result once again an excellent save from Chafer.

The Redbridge ‘keeper was then adjudged to have fouled Sam Clarke as the Sudbury skipper looked to cross from the goal-line, and Luke Callander drilled home the spot kick for his hat-trick and Sudbury’s fifth of the afternoon. It was harsh on the Redbridge goal-keeper who was yellow carded, his afternoon had otherwise been distinguished by a string of stunning saves.

A fine ball from Jack Newman into the running Joe Maybanks set up another chance which again Callum Chafer saved brilliantly. On eighty-two minutes Maybanks again forced Chafer into a save as the ‘keeper kept an air of respectability on the scoreline which otherwise would have been far greater. Ben Robinson sent a fine cross from the right wing into Callander who headed the ball wide of goal before Sam Clarke smashed another effort just inches wide of the Redbridge goal.

A.F.C. Sudbury eventually cruised to a five goals to one victory which maintains their strong fight for the league championship.

The run-in is never easy, but this level of performance, in which every player excelled, will be required over the coming weeks to finally nail the necessary points.

The fixture was sponsored by The Waggon and Horses and they named their Man Of the Match as Sam Clarke.
Att 272

Richard Whiting