Brentwood Town vs Redbridge
Saturday 28th December 2024 
5-2
Isthmian League North Division

Brentwood Town rounded off 2024 with an emphatic home victory over Redbridge and advancement into third position in the league table.

One change was made to the Brentwood side that were victorious on Boxing Day with Marlon Agyakwa returning into midfield. 

A curling effort from a free kick taken by Lee Noble forced a save from Samuel Nwabuko to deny an early lead for The Blues.

Ayo Odukoya got the first for Redbridge as  he capitalised off of a loose ball outside of the box and fired a shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.

Minutes later, an attempt from Robert Bagnall in an identical position was struck over the crossbar.

Mekhi McKenzie secured an equaliser for Brentwood as he whipped in a header from the superb curling delivery of Lyle Della-Verde.

McKenzie doubled The Blues’ lead just four minutes later as he turned on the opposing defender in a crowded box before striking goal wards.

As the second half commenced Odukoya looked to level Redbridge as he picked up the ball in a pocket of free space but his effort was fired over.

McKenzie bagged his first hat-trick of the season after he tucked home another delivery from Della-Verde.

Substitute Benas Vaivada emerged onto the pitch and immediately extended The Blues’ lead as he chipped Nwabuko and slotted home Brentwood’s fourth.

George Sykes made his first return since his injury against Ipswich Wanderers and produced his first goal of the season by tapping in a delivery from Jon Nzengo to add a fifth to Brentwood’s tally.

Tendi Quamina pulled one back for Redbridge as he slotted in a cross at the back post.

The Blues rerun to The Arena for their first fixture of 2025 as they welcome Concord Rangers.

By Michaela Georgopoulos 

Photo: Nick Gunn Photography 

Gallery: https://www.nickgunn.com/p861887062