The first half was a very tight affair, with neither side creating any clear-cut chances. After a few dangerous challenges by Eljay Worrell and Chatham’s Andy constable, earning them both bookings, Redbirdge almost made the break through.

It was Daniel Tenkorang’s drilled cross five minutes before half time which was nearly turned in by Emiel Aiken, but the midfielder’s effort looped over the bar.

The second half was a completely different story with the opening goal coming five minutes from the restart, Lee Hales scored an exquisite lob over Dean Driscoll in the Redbridge goal.

The hosts came back immediately with a curling effort from Patrick Damali striking the corner of the far post, but Chatham continued to defend their lead.

The deficit was then doubled after 66 minutes when Alfie May’s low cross found the feet of substitute Austin Gacheru, who slotted the ball past Driscoll making it 2-0.

Just five minutes later, Eljay Worrell played Patrick Damali through down the right hand side, before Chatham keeper Jack Bradshaw appeared to foul the striker. The controversial decision resulted in a yellow card for Bradshaw, who appealed at the foul being outside of the area. Eljay Worrell slotted the ball home to pull one back for the Motormen.

They say you are most vulnerable to concede after scoring, and that was certainly the case for the home side, Austin Gacheru flicked the ball onto fellow substitute James Alderman, who made it 3-1 to the visitors.

But Redbridge hit back immediately again, Abs Thompson showed good footwork before crossing a beautiful ball into Emiel Aiken, who guided his header into the top corner for a second lifeline for the hosts.

Despite the Motormen throwing everything and the kitchen sink at Chatham Town, the visitors were able to hold onto the 3-2 lead and progress in the FA Trophy.

Redbridge: Dean Driscoll; Eljay Worrell, Bostry Bansenden, Liam Thomas, Tyron Thomas; Leslie Thompson, Emiel Aiken, Jack Carlile, Daniel Tenkorang; Patrick Damali, Abs Thompson. Subs: Aaron Matthews, Jack Sawyer, Gary Henty, Zubair Haleem, Ben Bradbury.

Chatham Town: Jack Bradshaw; Taylor McDonagh, Gregg Benbow, Matthew Solly, Brad Potter; Corey Holder, Lee Hales, Luke May, Andy Constable; Alfie May, Kieren McCann. Subs: Austin Gacheru, Billy Bennett, Liam Hickey, Andrew Crush, James Alderman.

Report by Josh Harris.

Click here to watch Ricky Eaton's post-match interview with Josh Harris on YouTube.