The Motormen travelled to top of the table Barking for the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy Quarter Final. It was the 3rd meeting between the two sides this season with Barking having won the two previous encounters.

Tyron Thomas returned to the Redbridge defence for the first time since facing Barking back in October whilst Marcan Ifeobu-Zubis stepped up from the reserves to make his debut after Jordan Cornelius got injured in the warm up.

An early chance came the Motormen's way when Jacob Dingli was released by Aron Gordon but the striker's south was too heavy allowing Willis in goal to collect.

Redbridge were having most of the play looking to use the wings especially on the right through Joe Gent and as he was upended in the box any penalty appeals were swiftly waved away.

Sean Kettle then hit a powerful drive from distance with Willis did well to save and turn away. Barking opened the scoring with their first real chance after a free kick by James Peagram was driven low into the box and Joe Pearman was on hand at the far post able to turn the ball home

Redbridge soon almost got back level when Dingli got in front of the goalkeeper bit his momentum took him wide and as he shot through ball agonisingly went straight across the goal mouth with no other player on hand to react.

However minutes later they were deservedly level with a goal of real quality, a loose ball fell to Gordon and he cut inside before unleashing a rocket of a shot from fully 25 yards leaving Willis clutching at thin air. The goal was applauded by all in the stadium and certainly deserved the celebration with all his team mates which followed, a goal of the season contended indeed !!

Redbridge now had confidence as they went in search of another goal but went in at the break level surely pleased with their first half performance.

Barking had the first chance of the 2nd half when Jamie Alexandrou was caught in possession robbed by Peagram who could only shoot wide. Joe Pearman then had a good chance as he was put through on goal but could only lob the ball over keeper and bar.

Redbridge had a free kick by Adam Hunt go straight into the Barking wall before Gordon lined himself up once again although this time he could only shoot wide. They then created a good passing move from front to back which almost resulted in a goal as Dingli poked the ball through to Bryan Kyungu who just failed to get the final touch.

Redbridge were on top and creating chances which they failed to take , the best of which fell to Dingli who found himself through on goal and had time to execute a lob which cleared the bar.

Barking almost regained their lead when a slip by Redbridge defender Ore Odutola saw Peagram through but Mernagh was able to stand tall and push the ball out for a corner. They did however go back in front soon after when a clearance fell to James Jaconelli who had two stabs at the ball , the first of which being a mis-kick before he was then able to smash the ball on the half volley into the back of the net past a stranded Mernagh.

Hunt should have done better when presented with a chance which he spurned shooting high and wide however made amends minutes later when ran onto Kyungu’s ball to dink it over the onrushing Willis to lever the scores.

With no extra time due to be played the match seemingly was heading for a penalty shoot before Liam Burgess connected with a corner to thump a volley home , 3-2 Barking….

Redbridge desperately threw everything forward and had chances at the death both missed through Kettle and Kyungu as the home side held on for the win and will now meet Takeley in the semi finals.

Report by Adam Silver