Redbridge progressed into the Quarter Finals of the London Senior Cup after a hard fought victory over Ryman Premier Leaders Kingstonian.

On the back of Saturday’s league defeat to Dereham Town our attention switched to the London Senior Cup and it gave managers Dave Ross and Ricky Eaton a chance to look at utilizing the squad along with giving others a chance whom are returning from injury.

Kingstonian sitting top of the Ryman premier were by no means at full strength but their much changed side still looked strong and with no goals conceded in their previous four matches would have been confident coming into this match.

On a cold November evening and with the lure of England v Germany on the box only 41 die hard supporters braved the cold to watch the performance.

They were not disappointed and watched both teams looking to win the game whilst trying to play attractive football.

The first real chance fell to the away side as Josh Cassy was put through but his shot was directed straight at David McCartney in goal.

The home side were soon on top as Jack Carlile headed narrowly wide but then almost conceded when a mix up between defender Bostry Bansende and goalkeeper McCartney saw the ball fall to a Kingstonian player who seemed destined to score before Bansende atoned for his error by clearing the ball away with a last ditch tackle.

With 5 minutes remaining of the 1st half the K’s took the lead when Charlie Knight was passed the ball inside the area and from a tight angle his driven shot beat McCartney at his near post.

Redbridge almost got themselves straight back into the game when a Ben Bradbury free kick found Daniel Charge who saw his header fall straight into the arms of goalkeeper Adam Faith.

As the half approached its end the home side did equalise when a great cross field pass from Stephen Good found Bradbury who lobbed the ball over the onrushing Faith and saw the ball bounce into an empty goal. It was no more than the home side deserved for all their effort shown in the first 45 minutes.

Bradbury was taken off at half time with a groin injury being replaced by Emiel Aiken so saw Redbridge lose some of their width but this allowed Jack Sawyer to come more into the game and he tested the keeper with a couple of long range efforts going just narrowly wide.

As the half went on the away side tried to get back into the match but the superb back line including centre backs Leon and Tyron Thomas stood firm to everything thrown in their path.

With 10 minutes remaining an Emiel Aiken header was cleared off the line but the fall fell kindly to Ryan Carolan who saw his curling long range effort beat Faith all ends up to seal the victory.

It was a great way to score his first goal for the club which secured a Quarter Final tie away at the winners of the Wingate & Finchley/Corinthian Casuals tie.

report by Adam Silver