Stow 1-0 Redbridge

Walthamstow picked up another massive three points against a very good Redbridge side, in a tight contest at Wadham Lodge. There was little to separate the two sides, but Charlie Cole made the difference, scoring the only goal of the game.

Stow started the game on the front foot, and could have been ahead within a couple of minutes, as Connor Scully went close. But Redbridge then organised themselves, and stopped Stow creating any more meaningful chances.

Callum Ibe and Jason Hallett were both almost played in on a couple of occasions, but on both occasions Redbridge got back and defended well.

Stow were indebted to keeper Amarildo Cekrezi, who put in a fine performance for his 20th clean sheet of the season. In the first half, he pulled off two superb saves, denying James Barlow from point-blank range just before the break.

Stow came out for the second half with renewed optimism, and began to find space behind the Redbridge defence as the game became more open. Ibe was the first to benefit from this, latching onto a long ball but seeing his one-on-one effort saved well by Michael Corderoy.

Chances continued to be hard to come by, but on the 74th Charlie Cole timed his run perfectly to latch onto a ball over the top and slot home coolly past Corderoy, giving his side a crucial lead.

Stow’s goal forced Redbridge to attack more, but this only left more room at the back and Jason Beck almost made the most of it, seeing his header cleared off the line, with the follow-up from Billy Jones just about saved and clawed away by Corderoy.

As the game entered injury time, Tommy Spillane clipped the Redbridge crossbar with an rasping effort, but in the end Stow managed the second half perfectly and held out for a vital three points.