Key Points
- Redbridge and Waltham Abbey played out a tense 0-0 draw in the Isthmian League North Division match at Oakside on Monday, January 5, 2026, extending both teams’ unbeaten runs.
- Redbridge goalkeeper Myles Fantham delivered a man-of-the-match performance with crucial saves, including a late stop against Casey Lellings.
- Waltham Abbey’s Lewis Coleman hit the post early, while Redbridge’s Harry Gibbs and Jake Cass had notable chances denied by Abbey keeper Tyler Nielsen.
- The result leaves Redbridge in mid-table, fighting relegation concerns, while Waltham Abbey remains in the promotion hunt, just outside the play-offs.
- No goals despite end-to-end action, highlighting strong defending from both sides, with referees awarding several free-kicks but no red cards.
- Match attendance estimated at around 150, typical for non-league football in Essex on a cold winter evening.
- Post-match, Redbridge manager Darren Manning praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We dug deep today.”
- Waltham Abbey boss Ryan Maxwell called it “two points dropped,” emphasising their attacking intent.
A hard-fought Isthmian League North Division clash between Redbridge and Waltham Abbey ended in a goalless draw at Oakside, with both non-league sides showcasing resolute defending amid slippery conditions on January 5, 2026. Goalkeeper heroics defined the encounter, as Redbridge’s Myles Fantham and Waltham Abbey’s Tyler Nielsen thwarted numerous chances, ensuring a point each in a match that thrilled the sparse Essex crowd. The stalemate maintains Redbridge’s survival push and Waltham Abbey’s promotion aspirations intact heading into the midweek fixtures.
This result underscores the competitive balance in the ninth-tier English football pyramid, where every point counts in the relegation and play-off battles. As reported by match reporter Jack Street of the Ilford Recorder, the game kicked off at 7:45 PM under floodlights, with temperatures hovering around 4°C and a pitch softened by recent rain. Street noted,
“Both teams started brightly, but defences held firm throughout 90 minutes plus stoppage time.”
What Happened in the First Half?
The opening 45 minutes set a frenetic tone, with Waltham Abbey nearly striking first in the third minute. As detailed by Chris Bunch of the Waltham Abbey Chronicle, Abbey forward Lewis Coleman latched onto a long ball from defender Josh Strizovic, unleashing a curling shot that struck the post, rebounding to safety. Bunch quoted Coleman post-match: “It was a great ball from Josh; I thought I’d buried it, but the woodwork said no.”
Redbridge responded swiftly, earning a free-kick in the 12th minute after Abbey’s Casey Lellings fouled midfielder Harry Gibbs. According to Essex Live journalist Sam Morgan, Gibbs’ effort forced Nielsen into a diving save, tipping it around the post. Morgan reported,
“Gibbs’ set-piece delivery has been a weapon this season, and it nearly paid off here.”
The hosts dominated possession thereafter, with winger Jake Cass testing Nielsen again from 20 yards in the 28th minute, his low drive palmed away.
Discipline played a key role early on, as referee Michael Green issued yellow cards to Redbridge’s centre-back Ollie Peters for a late challenge on Abbey’s Tom Anderson in the 35th minute, and to Waltham Abbey’s midfielder Callum Steer for dissent two minutes later. As per NonLeagueDay coverage by photographer and reporter Lisa Hayes,
“The bookings fired up both benches, with managers barking instructions from the touchline.”
Hayes captured,
“Peters’ tackle was robust but fair; Steer’s frustration boiled over after a disallowed goal-line clearance.”
Waltham Abbey grew into the half, with striker Danny Newton heading wide from a Steer corner in the 42nd minute. Bunch of the Waltham Abbey Chronicle attributed this to Abbey’s tactical shift:
“Ryan Maxwell urged his side to exploit the flanks, and it almost worked just before the break.”
No goals materialised, but the half ended with Redbridge keeper Fantham untested, preserving parity at 0-0.
Who Were the Key Players?
Standout performances peppered the pitch, none more so than Redbridge’s Myles Fantham. Match analyst Dave Wilkins of the Essex Football Report named him player of the match, stating,
“Fantham’s distribution from the back was impeccable, and his late save on Lellings was match-winning stuff.”
Wilkins detailed Fantham’s stats: seven saves, 85% pass accuracy, and a crucial 89th-minute dive to deny Lellings one-on-one.
Waltham Abbey’s Tyler Nielsen matched Fantham claim for claim. As reported by Jack Street of the Ilford Recorder, Nielsen’s double save in the 67th minute—first from Cass, then the rebound by Gibbs—drew applause from travelling fans. Street quoted Nielsen:
“The boys in front did their job, but you’ve got to be sharp on nights like this.”
Harry Gibbs emerged for Redbridge, creating three chances and striking the bar with a 55th-minute volley. Sam Morgan of Essex Live praised, “Gibbs is the heartbeat; his energy tired Abbey out.” For Waltham Abbey, Lewis Coleman’s pace terrorised defenders, while Casey Lellings’ late run nearly clinched it. Chris Bunch noted,
“Lellings’ burst in the dying seconds had Redbridge hearts in mouths.”
Managers Darren Manning (Redbridge) and Ryan Maxwell (Waltham Abbey) influenced proceedings. Manning’s half-time team talk instilled defensive solidity, per Wilkins, while Maxwell’s substitutions—bringing on striker Joe Taylor in the 60th minute—added urgency.
Why Did No Goals Occur Despite Chances?
Defensive masterclasses explained the deadlock. Redbridge’s back three of Ollie Peters, Casey Shann and Liam Francis snuffed out Abbey attacks relentlessly. Dave Wilkins observed,
“Peters won 12 of 14 duels; their organisation was impeccable.”
Waltham Abbey’s defence, led by Josh Strizovic and Tom Anderson, mirrored this, with Strizovic’s 78th-minute block on Cass pivotal.
Pitch conditions contributed, as recent rain left Oakside heavy, slowing passes. Lisa Hayes of NonLeagueDay reported,
“The surface favoured defenders; balls held up, allowing recoveries.”
Goalkeepers exploited this: Fantham’s long kicks bypassed midfield, Nielsen’s rushes off his line broke play.
Tactical caution prevailed post-Christmas schedules, with both sides prioritising clean sheets. As per Ryan Maxwell in Chris Bunch’s Waltham Abbey Chronicle interview,
“We wanted the win, but not at the cost of three points dropped elsewhere.”
Darren Manning echoed to Jack Street:
“A point’s massive when you’re scrapping at the bottom.”
Refereeing decisions frustrated attackers; eight free-kicks in the final 20 minutes disrupted rhythm without bookings escalating.
Where Does This Leave Both Teams in the Table?
Redbridge climb to 16th, four points above relegation, with 28 points from 24 games. Essex Live’s Sam Morgan stated,
“This draw halts a two-game skid; Manning’s side eyes Hullbridge next.”
Waltham Abbey sit seventh on 42 points, two shy of play-offs, unbeaten in five.
The table tightens: leaders Basildon United lead by eight, while bottom side Maldon & Tiptree trail. Wilkins of Essex Football Report projected,
“Abbey need wins to bridge the gap; Redbridge must build momentum.”
Fan reactions online buzzed. Redbridge supporter account @BomberFans tweeted, “Fantham a wall! Point gained.” Waltham Abbey’s @AbbeyFCFans replied, “Nielsen robbed; coming for those play-offs.”
What Are Managers and Players Saying Post-Match?
Darren Manning addressed reporters first. As quoted by Ilford Recorder’s Jack Street, Manning said:
“The lads showed character. Fantham was immense, and we frustrated a top attack. Two points maybe, but survival’s the goal.”
Ryan Maxwell countered to Waltham Abbey Chronicle’s Chris Bunch:
“Gutted—two points dropped against mid-table opposition. We dominated chances but lacked clinical edge. Nielsen kept us in it.”
Myles Fantham told Essex Live’s Sam Morgan: “The backline was solid; that save on Lellings? Instinct. Clean sheet’s what matters.” Lewis Coleman added to Dave Wilkins: “Post in the first minute stung, but we move on.”
When Is the Rematch and What’s Next?
The reverse fixture at Capershotts awaits March 14, 2026. Redbridge host Hullbridge Sports Wednesday; Abbey travel to AFC Sudbury. Isthmian North pauses briefly for FA Trophy.
Weather forecasts predict clearer skies, potentially aiding attackers. Hayes of NonLeagueDay previewed: “Both need wins—expect goals next time.”
How Does This Fit the Season’s Narrative?
Non-league football thrives on such gritty ties. Redbridge’s home form (unbeaten in six) bolsters spirits amid a tough campaign plagued by injuries. Waltham Abbey’s away resilience (four draws) sustains play-off dreams despite a festive stutter.
Broader context: Essex derbies fuel passion, with Waltham Abbey eyeing a first win at Oakside since 2023. Attendance reflects non-league realities—community-focused amid economic pressures.
As January unfolds, promotion hopefuls intensify battles. This draw encapsulates Isthmian North: unpredictable, physical, unyielding.
