Boss Ross ready for Brightlingsea test

Redbridge joint boss Dave Ross says that the most difficult match of the month is already behind his side as they look to return to winning ways at Brightlingsea on Saturda.

The Motormen have been in a rich vein of form, claiming four points from their first two Ryman North matches and unbeaten in their last six outings, including friendlies.

And morale is high for their weekend clash with a side who, according to Ross, defeated Redbridge easily last season.

“Brightlingsea are a good side. We went there last year and they beat us comfortably,” said Ross.

“But we’ve got a different team this year so hopefully we can go there and put in the same effort to get the win. “

Redbridge, having beaten Witham 2-1 on Saturday, came from behind three times to secure a draw against Maldon & Tiptree on Tuesday, as Dan Jones’ injury-time free-kick made it 3-3.

Ronnie Winn had equalised in the first half with a looping header after Maldon took the lead through Darren McQueen.

And Joe Gent’s strike early in the second half cancelled out a goal two minutes earlier from Maldon’s Lewis Probert.

A controversial goal by Nnamdi Nwachuku made sure it was a tense finish for Redbridge, but Jones’ free-kick earned Motormen a share of the points.

The trip to Maldon is just one in a list of difficult fixtures for Redbridge in August.

After visiting Brightlingsea, Motormen host Cheshunt in the Robert Dyas League Cup on Tuesday, followed by meetings with Aveley, Hornchurch and Heybridge, before ending August with a trip to Harlow Town.

“All our games are really hard this month,” added Ross.

“I think Maldon will be the toughest of the month especially since it was at Maldon and their pitch is in tremendous condition.

“To go to Maldon and play a team like that, I doubt we’ll have any more difficult matches this season.”

Ronnie Winn, who got his name on the scoresheet against Maldon, will be unavailable for the match against Brightlingsea along with his brother George.

But there is good news for Ross as Mark Nougher is expected to be available for his first appearance of the season after taking up light training as he recovers from injury.