The visitors from the Combined Counties Premier Division left it late to secure their passage through to the Fourth Round, Josh Covers’ brace confirmed their progression.

There were doubts to whether the fixture would be played due to the visitors arriving with just 7 players, the officials agreed to a delayed kick-off and the game got underway at 8pm. Croydon were forced to start their Assistant Manager Dean Davenport in goal due to the late arrival of their first-team ‘keeper Francis Ameyaw.

Croydon opened the scoring on 14 minutes; Cavell Polecan’s through ball evaded both Croydon striker Claudio de Almeida and Redbridge skipper Nicki Beale in the centre but rolled on through to the right wing. Bursting down the right was Josh Cover, he took the ball in his stride and fired it low into the left corner. 1-0 Croydon.

The visitors were only ahead momentarily, Redbridge pegged them back on 17 minutes; Ryan Reed beat his marker on the right wing as he advanced into the box the winger played in a teasing ball low across the 6-yard box. Tom Pratt attempted to clear the danger but instead deflected the ball into his own net. Redbridge 1-1 Croydon.

Shortly after the equaliser Redbridge ‘keeper Dean Neil pulled off a fine save to deny Jensen Grant. Grant picked up the ball outside the Redbridge box on the left, drifted inside and unleashed a high curling effort that looked destined for the top right corner but Neil clawed the ball away.

After 32 minutes Croydon brought on their first-team goalkeeper after his late arrival to the ground, Ameyaw replaced assistant-manager Davenport. Kiemon Robinson was booked in first-half added time for a rash tackle.

Half-Time – Redbridge looked a lot more comfortable on the ball than in recent games and had the majority of possession. Croydon looked dangerous on the break with a number of players showing pace and vision in advanced positions.

Redbridge made a substitution at half-time, as their skipper Beale was withdrawn as a precaution after aggravating a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Joseph Moffat.

Five minutes after the interval Redbridge hit the woodwork; Nana Asamoah whipped in a corner from the left. Moffat met the ball with a firm header towards the top right corner but his attempt was headed off the line and onto the crossbar before being scrambled away.

John Fowler made Croydon’s second substitution after 52 minutes, replacing Luke Smith with Jordan Kyelovah

The Motormen responded with a change of their own a minute later, replacing Christopher Roberts with Jordan Watson.

After the changes it was clear both sides fancied their chances and the game began to open up. Pressing forward left both teams stretched and vulnerable at the back creating an exciting end-to-end affair.

Steve Portway made Redbridge’s final substitution just before the hour mark, replacing Asamoah with Joe Bricknell.

With only 10 minutes of time remaining Croydon ‘keeper Ameyaw made what turned out to be a match winning save; Joe Bricknell fired a left footed volley from outside the box, his volley looked to be curling away from the ‘keeper into the top left corner but Ameyaw rose up and clawed the ball away. A truly stunning save!

With five minutes remaining Croydon grabbed a late winner; Oliver Hunt floated in a long range free-kick towards the back post, the Redbridge defence cleared the initial threat but gave away possession around 20-yards from goal. The ball dropped into the path of Cover and was begging to be hit, he unleashed a fierce shot on the half-volley that flew high into the left side of the net. 2-1 Croydon.

With five minutes plus 3 minutes added time, Redbridge tried desperately to take the game to penalties but lacked ruthlessness in front of goal and any hopes of a Fourth Round home tie faded away.

Full-Time – A fantastic save and a late screamer saved this game from going to penalties, in what was an end-to-end encounter from the start. Croydon deserved their win and now have a Fourht Round home tie against Isthmian Premier Division Hendon FC to look forward too.

Positives for the next fixture – Ryan Reed impressed on the right wing, he beat numerous players and showed a silky touch throughout. Stephen Ikumelo put in another good performance at the back, he made a number of crucial tackles.

Jacob Cleaver showed a neat touch and intelligent link up play in offensive positions. Del Robinson admitted after the match his side need to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal.

By Lewis Edwards – @LCEdw

Click here for Del Robinson's post-match interview with Lewis Edwards.