Felixstowe & United boss Stuart Boardley hailed his side's togetherness as Tom Bullard's 35th minute strike gave them all three points at Redbridge.

Victory puts the Seasiders within three points of leaders Lowest in the Isthmian North Division, although the Trawlermen have a game in hand.

Boardley was delighted with the way his side stood up to Redbridge's physical and intimidatory style to win, and an early set back when a poorly struck Josh Mayhew penalty was comfortably saved by Connor Wheatley.

"The way the lads dug in and showed togetherness was really important," Boardley told the club website. "We stood up to the physical challenge, which perhaps we didn't earlier in the season, but it is important if you want to do well in this league. is to come to places like Redbridge and stand up to everything."

Another pleasing aspect was a third clean sheet in a row, with loan signing goalkeeper Josh Blunkell instrumental in that after not conceding in three out of four games since the 2-2 draw at Brentwood on his debut on January 6.

Boardley said: "Josh kept his third clean sheet, which he has mentioned, was important because we went through a spell earlier in the season where we could not keep a clean sheet..

"The bedrock of any good side is a good back four and goalkeeper and we showed that here with the way we defended manfully."

Felixstowe Basildon Stuart Boardley and his team celebrate winning the Isthmian Leagues Manager of the Month for October. Left to right (Charlotte Long, Stuart Stevenson, Stuart Boardley, Andy Crump & Danny Potter) (Picture: Stefan Peck)

Boardley has been busy finding space for awards after picking up the Manager of the Month for October prize ahead of the win at home against Basildon and Team Performance of the Month award for their stunning 3-0 win over Lowestoft at the AGL Arena on January 13.

Felixstowe entertain Walthamstow at the AGL Arena on Saturday, February 10.