Foxes win at last

It was Ilford’s first victory of the season on their own ground and, indeed, their first anywhere, in any competition, since their 2-1 success at Soham on opening day.

Both goals were set up by new signing Jody Banim (pictured), a 34-year-old with plentiful Conference Premier experience. He was in the starting line-up for Shrewsbury in the 2004 play-off final when they beat Aldershot to regain their Football League place.

Earlier in his career Banim, who had been a junior at Manchester United, scored in 14 successive games for Radcliffe Borough, believed to be the record for senior football in England.

He took just six minutes to make his mark with a free-kick too fierce for Redbridge keeper Dean Neil to hold, allowing Hamdan to force in the loose ball.

The Foxes continued to look the better side until half-time but the visitors upped their game after the break and equalised on 64 minutes with a lovely lob by substitute Charlie Portway, a first senior goal for the 16-year-old son of joint manager Steve.

Dad, no mean goalscorer himself in his prime but now 44, joined the action himself shortly afterwards only for Ilford to regain the lead in the 76th minute when another Banim shot was turned in by Hamdan.

The younger Portway then dropped back to midfield as back-up keeper Michael Bowditch came on to play up front but it was in vain as Ilford claimed three precious points.

They are now on 11 points, one ahead of Redbridge and two ahead of Ware, and have a game in hand on both of them.

The remaining meetings between the bottom three could decide the sole relegation spot. Ware have already been held to 1-1 home draws by both their rivals, with the return matches to come, and Ilford still have to visit Redbridge.