Steve Portway’s men fought till the death to secure a place in 3rd Round of the Ryman League Cup.

Redbridge were the underdogs coming into this tie as they came up against a well-oiled Potters Bar who currently sit second in the Ryman North Division 1 and the Motormen had to play most of the second half with 10-men.

The opening 20 minutes were a relatively even contest with Potters Bar just edging it, the away side showed better quality in possession and had created more chances.

Redbridge’s first real chance came in the 23rd minute; Gary Skerritt, who made his 99th appearance for the Motormen last night, received the ball into feet and spun away from his marker. He squared the ball across the 6-yard box but striker Jacob Cleaver couldn't connect.

The away side’s first clear-cut chance came minutes later as right-back Fabian Simms played a long ball up the wing, Liam Magwood timed his run perfectly and advanced into the Redbridge box but a heavy touch saw the ball run to the keeper. A good opportunity wasted.

Nana Asamoah and Isaac Osei-Tion showed trickery and pace on both wings for Redbridge, on occasions beating their opponents but were unable to pick out a teammate in the box.

Potters Bar striker Serge Manesio had been the away side’s biggest threat in the first half, showing close control combined with strength and an eye for goal and he forced Michael Bowditch into a good save with 10 minutes from the interval. Manesio held up the play and cut in from the left wing, unleashing a curling shot from just outside the box. The shot looked to be heading into the top right corner until Bowditch tipped the ball wide. Great save.

Half-Time – Both sides had defended well, Potters Bar had more possession and were controlling the game. Redbridge had shown some nice periods of possession but had failed to really mount any good attacks.

Minutes after the restart Potters Bar forced Bowditch to produce another fine save; Left-back Chris Doyle played a one-two on the left wing and bombed forward, he cut inside the box and let off a curling right footed shot that again looked to be flying into the top corner. Bowditch looked determined to keep his clean sheet and stretched to tip away the strike. Another quality save.

In the 51st minute things look to be headed downhill for Redbridge when Paul Shave was shown a straight red for violent conduct. Shave had been dominating the centre all game and had got away with a few risky challenges but this time the referee had no doubt in his mind. A 50/50 challenge between Shave and Manitou led to the pair clashing on the floor, Shave looked to have thrown a punch with Manitou retaliating. Manitou was left on the turf as Shave as escorted away by a number of players, resulting in a straight red for Shave and no booking for Manitou.

Steve Portway didn’t let his aggravation go unnoticed as he left the referee know exactly what he thought. He felt Manitou should have been punished for the clash too. Portway was forced to change formation, dropping striker Lee Newton into centre midfield.

Minutes later Potters Bar were clean through on goal; Serge Manesio lost his marker and burst in on goal, one-on-one with Bowditch he attempted to round the keeper but scuffed his shot wide.

By far the best chance of the game, a chance Manesio should have taken. Adam Lee made a double sub for Potters Bar, Dan Millard and Daniel Ailey replacing Manesio and Chris Doyle.

Just after the subs Redbridge took the lead; Nana Asamoah’s determination won him the ball and he slid a ball through to Jacob Cleaver. Cleaver broke forward, he stood up the defender and as he entered the left side of the box he cut onto his right foot and fired in a bending strike that flew past Horton. A great finish, 1-0 Redbridge!

Two minutes later Cleaver found himself in almost an identical position; Osei-Tion played a ball through for Cleaver. He moved into the same area as his last opportunity but this time decided to take it with this left foot and unfortunately dragged it wide.

Steve Portway made a change with 30 mins to go. Replacing Osei-Tion with Stephen Ikumelo. Osie-Tion showed some quick feet down the wing and willingness to get stuck in, he had a good game in all.

In the 73rd minute Potters Bar were forced to sub goalkeeper Callum Horton after he landed awkwardly and was stretchered off. Ed Thompson taking his place.

Portway made his second change with 10 mins remaining. Shane Lemard replaced by Jordan Watson. Lemard received a warm applause as he made way, the home fans showing their appreciation for his efforts.

Redbridge were awarded a free-kick in the 87th minute, skipper Nikki Beale played a short one-two with Lee Newton on the left wing. After receiving the ball back from Newton he whipped in a left-footed cross that swung in and strike the post.

A minute later Potters Bar had a free-kick that deflected off a Redbridge defender and grazed the bar. Asamoah had a great chance to finish the game in the 93rd minute, Ikumelo lunged into two sliding tackles and then played a ball through for Asamoah. He cut inside but scuffed his finish.

Portway made his final change in the 94th minute, replacing Asamoah with Paul Tiffen.

Full-Time – Another close game between these two sides, a great win for Redbridge that sees them advance to the 3rd Round.

Positives for the next fixture – Jacob Cleaver scored a wonder goal and worked hard upfront on his own after the sending off. Michael Bowditch produced some fines saves and really deserved his clean sheet. Danny Hayes had a good game at right-back, usually a more attacking player he showed some versatility and defensive quality.

Man of the Match – No.10 – Jacob Cleaver

By Lewis Edwards – @LCEdw

Click here for Lewis Edwards and Fred Carter's interview with Steve Portway from after the game.

Click here for Adam D's interview with Tommy, Robbie and Kerra, members of Uniting Friends who popped down to the game.