Defeat for direct relegation rivals Chatham Town at the hands of Thurrock was the saving grace for Redbridge boss Ricky Eaton after two late goals cost his side against Barkingside.

The Motormen led in the first half but were made to pay for their failure to expand that lead as three second-half strikes turned the game in Barkingside’s favour, 4-2.

Chatham, currently 21st in the Isthmian Division One North, could have leapfrogged Romford and Redbridge with a win but as it stands, remain two points below their immediate rivals for the drop.

Reflecting on the defeat, joint-boss Eaton said: “It is very disappointing considering it’s a rivalry. It was a frustrating first half for us. They were not the better side for the first half.

“Once we got in front in the first half we could not get the second goal we needed and we ended up paying for that.

“Chatham lost 4-2 and that’s the only silver lining,” admitted Eaton.

The game should have been Redbridge’s second local derby in three days but Saturday’s clash with Romford was postponed due to overnight rain at the Barkingside Stadium. But Eaton believes the rivalries are not completely lost on transient players.

He explained: “Some of them have been around long enough to know it is important. It is the youngsters that come in that are not aware of the importance to the fans, directors and committee members and it is them you have to emphasise it to.”

It was the Motormen who struck first, taking the lead after 16 minutes. Patrick Damali spread the play out to Chinedu McKenzie and he cut inside a defender before firing home.

Eleven minutes later Barkingside – who for 50 years called Oakside home – drew level when Joe Bricknell struck from the spot.

The second period saw the ‘Side go in front when Gregg Akpele curled beyond Redbridge goalkeeper Mark Parker to underline their superiority.

However, the lead was short-lived as Eaton and Dave Ross’ side soon levelled the score up at 2-2 when Brian Moses was fouled by Josh Akapka, earning a penalty and a red card for the Barkingside man. Mark Nougher duly levelled from the penalty spot for the hosts.

But with ten minutes to go Redbridge’s good work was undone as Akpele scored his second, crashing home from 25 yards in stunning fashion.

And in the 86th minute Vinny Murphy was also dismissed for foul and abusive language aimed towards the referee.

Barkingside took full advantage to snatch a fourth, Akpele completing his hat-trick.

Waltham Abbey saw Saturday’s game at Heybridge Swifts lost to the weather. They host Redbridge on Saturday.

In the Essex Senior League, Waltham Forest beat Hullbridge Sports 1-0 to move up to fourth thanks to a 91st-minute Callum Holder penalty.

On Saturday, Forest also left it late to beat Enfield 1893 3-2, with Allan Callaghan (2) and Holder getting the goals.

The Stags host Sawbridgeworth Town on Saturday.