FOOTBALL

Redbridge 2
Waltham Abbey 0
(Ryman One North) WALTHAM Abbey paid the price for conceding two goals in the opening half hour as Redbridge recorded a comfortable victory.

The play off-chasing hosts took the lead on 20 minutes thanks to a Dan Page own goal.

The defender intercepted a teasing Jeff Hammond pass, only to divert the ball past keeper John Hickman.

Ten minutes later Redbridge struck again with a high-quality team move.

Abbots were cut to ribbons by swift passing and runs that ended with Hammoond popping up to guide the ball home.

At the other end, James Elmes almost got the on scoresheet for the Abbots three minutes after the restart with a close range effort that hit a post.

Hickman produced a good save late on to deny Leon Fisher and, but for their keeper, Abbey might have lost by a greater margin.

The defeat - Abbey's sixth in the last seven games - leaves them in 16th place although next up is Canvey Island tomorrow (Friday), who they beat 2-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Talking ahead of the clash, skipper Lee White said: "Canvey are a good outfit and it will be a high tempo game.

"They are a good passing side too, but if we take our chances we will be alright. They do not need the result as much as we do."

Lee also reflected on Abbots' slump in form over recent games, adding: "It is down to injuries. The hard games do not help either.

"If we create more chances, put away the ones we do make, and be more consistent it will be fine."