Northwood’s busy end of season schedule continued as they played their third game inside six days but they had to settle for a share of the spoils in a low key affair at Chestnut Avenue.

There were changes to the Woods’ team, with Bradley Hewitt being replaced by John Sonuga in defence whilst Nick Fearon was handed his senior Northwood debut in midfield, with Will Hudson reverting to the substitutes’ bench. There was also a change in attack with Kyle Matthews returning for the injured Leon Osei.

There were early chances for both sides as the game got off to a bright start, Hugo Figueiredo making a strong run down the left flank before his pullback eventually found Jon Daily, but he was unable to keep his shot down. At the other end, Redbridge’s  Anton Agdomar found himself in a good position but his shot was comfortably gathered by ‘keeper Mitch Swain.

Woods gradually began to get on top and they produced a series of flowing moves. Figueiredo and Matthews combined well to create an opening for John Christian but his shot was blocked by the Motormen defence. Christian was involved again as he instigated a move which saw Scott Orphanou play in Aaron Cato but the resultant shot flew narrowly over the crossbar.

The remainder of the half mainly belonged to Northwood in terms of possession but the final ball was lacking as they struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Redbridge posted a warning to Northwood early in the second-half as an intended cross bounced off the home crossbar. And moments  later the threat was very real as Redbridge took a 49th minute through Sonny Adams as he neatly dinked the ball past the on-rushing Swain and over the line despite a desperate attempt from Michael Peacock to clear the ball.

Woods needed to up their game if they were going to get back in the contest and Orphanou wasn’t far away with a speculative long range shot.

Northwood looked to freshen things up and Mark Barnham made a double substitution with Anton Lewis and Hudson entering the fray with Daily and Cato making way.

But it was Redbridge who threatened further goals as Alf Dickinson headed over  before Simon Peddie had a couple of shots blocked in a goalmouth melee.

Northwood survived the scares and they went close to equalising but Redbridge ‘keeper James Marrable produced a full length save to turn Figueiredo’s shot around the post.

Ryan Tackley replaced Fearon as Woods continued to look for an answer and salvation was finally found in the final minute as Matthews whipped in a cross from the right, which was headed home by Christian to ensure that the honours remained even.

Report by ROBIN PIPER