The Motormen hosted Essex Senior League side Clapton F.C. on a freezing cold evening at the Oakside in the 2nd Round of the London Senior Cup.

The weather did little to prevent Clapton’s loyal travelling support from attending in large numbers and they were in good voice all evening long making for a good atmosphere.

The home side started the strongest and the first chance came when Rigers Kabashi’s cross was headed just wide by William Drake. Clapton’s Abdeen Abdul then saw his powerful drive well turned away by Callum Chafer in the Redbridge goal.

It was Redbridge who soon after took the lead through their leading scorer Jay Knight when he ran onto a Kabashi through ball and stroked his effort wide of Yakup Seyer in the Clapton goal. The score line did little to quieten the away supporters who continued to support their side and they almost were rewarded with an equaliser when Nathan Cook broke through but fired his effort high and wide.

Redbridge doubled their lead early in the 2nd period when captain Timi Dorgu popped up with his first goal for the club. With having a two goal cushion Redbridge were now on top but seemed to sit back on their lead inviting pressure from Clapton who had a couple of chances which went begging.

They were however given a way back into the match on 76 minutes when awarded a penalty after the ball flicked up onto the arm of defender Charlie Parish who was unable to get out of the way, it seemed a very harsh decision but Abdul placed the ball on the spot and sent Chafer the wrong way.

The goal made for a very nervy finish for the home side who had earlier seemed to be in total control and they so nearly conceded yet again when a cross came off a Redbridge defender and a Clapton striker got the final touch only to see his effort rebound back off the crossbar.

Redbridge sub James Dobson should have sealed the win with his first touch but he connected with his knee sending his effort wide from yards out with just the keeper to beat.

The referee blew the final whistle soon after and it will be the Motormen who progress into the Quarter Finals where an away tie at Ryman Premier side Wingate & Finchley now awaits.

report by Adam Silver