Two Redbridge players were dismissed for retaliation on Saturday – the same offence as Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic – but manager Dave Ross’ reaction was more understated than Jose Mourinho’s.

Saturday’s action-packed Isthmian Division One clash between the Motormen and Thurrock ended 4-2 in the Fleet’s favour but the scoreline alone did not tell the story.

Kacey Adams, Tyron Thomas and Aaron Tatham all received straight red cards after Ross and Ricky Eaton’s side had equalised when Patrick Damali scored the first of two penalties.

Commenting on the decisions which saw his side end the game with eight men, Ross said: “I do not really have any complaints.”

The dismissals of Adams and Thomas were both for retaliation and not for the first time this season.

“It is something we are dealing with,” admitted Ross. “It has been a problem with us up to a certain extent but maybe it is because the players are so keen to win that they do something they should not. Teams know we are a bit fiery so perhaps that does not help either.”

He added: “It was retaliation on both of their behalves and you will get sent off for that.”

Thurrock took the lead just before half time when Lewwis Spence played through Leslie Thompson and he beat Redbridge goalkeeper Mark Parker at the second attempt.

Visitors Redbridge were reduced to ten men when Adams was given his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident. Five minutes later, Damali converted a penalty to level the scores at 1-1.

With the blue touchpaper lit, the game exploded into life. Three minutes after the leveller, Remi Strutton fired beyond Parker to restore Redbridge’s advantage.

But the Motormen levelled once more when Thurrock’s Rhys Madden earned a second yellow and Thomas was sent off for a tussle which resulted in Gavin Cockman stroking home a second penalty.

Ross Wall then headed Thurrock back in front before Thompson got in on the act to complete the win.

However, there was still time for Tatham to trudge back to the changing room early after bringing down L’Heureux Menga as he burst through.

The Motormen are at home to second-placed Needham Market on Saturday before hosting Romford on Tuesday evening in a crucial basement battle.

Waltham Abbey were beaten 1-0 at ten-man Heybridge Swifts on Tuesday.

Shamido Pedulu grabbed the game’s only goal after 14 minutes, but just before half time Abbey were handed a lifeline when Aaron Gayle was dismissed.

The Abbots were once again beaten by the weather on Saturday as rain saw their clash at relegation rivals Cray Wanderers postponed.

Paul Wickenden’s side host tenth-placed Ware on Saturday.

Waltham Forest finally returned to action but were beaten 4-1 at home by Stansted.

Phil Siggins put Stansted ahead after 16 minutes before Solomon Ofori levelled nine minutes before the break.

Jinan Lewis re-established the visitors’ lead in the 52nd minute of the encounter and five minutes later they had lift off and Oliver Fortune struck.

The Stags visited Sporting Bengal United yesterday (Wednesday).