Redbridge and Ilford locked horns in the Essex Senior League Cup from this season now officially known as the Errington Challenge Cup in memory of ex league treasurer Margaret Errington who sadly passed away last year.

The two sides played this fixture just a month earlier which saw Redbridge convincingly win 5-1 however since Ilford had been on a good run of form unbeaten in their previous five matches.

The first attack came to the home side as full back Eljay Worrell strode forward riding a challenge and winning a corner for his side. Moments later Redbridge took the lead as Joshua Hutchinson found space and shot low beating Chris Clarke in goal.

Vinny Murphy then won a header direct from a Clarke goal kick which fell straight into the path of Lindisipho Mtyanda who tried a lob from distance which lifted over the bar. Hutchinson on the right flank was looking lively and he managed to cut in from wide skilfully waltzing past his man before getting his shot in which Clarke saved , the rebound falling to Calvin Poku who saw his effort blocked by an Ilford defender.

The away side then had their best chance when Glody Nasamu released Daoud Bakalandwa who tried to round Lewis Greene but the Redbridge keeper made himself big and got down well to make the save as the ball got held up in the wind.

Hutchinson then put in a good cross which found Mtyanda who caught it well and took a diving save from Clarke to deny the ex Ilford man.

Ilford then got themselves back on level terms when Justas Paliulis did well out on the left floating a cross to the far post which was headed back across goal by Nsamu finding James Peagram who turned and volleyed home.

Redbridge captain Eljay Worrell then thought he had restored his side’s lead when his free kick floated over the head of Clarke into the top corner however the goal was ruled out after Poku was accused of fouling his marker.

At the other end Liam Thomas was far too casual in possession losing the ball before bringing down an Ilford player, the referee had no choice but to award the penalty. Up stepped Peagram who made no mistake from the spot firing high into the corner to grab his second of the match.

Ilford started the second half strongly winning most of the second balls as against the wind Redbridge were resorting to shooting from distance as Shaun Harris blasted over.

Reside Coxi-Sebastfao then ran onto a through ball and was brought down by Sam Baffour just outside the box , the challenge deemed worthy of a red card and the defender was ordered to leave the pitch.

Substitute Thomas Gogo then split the defence with a lovely ball finding Courtney Homans out wide and his first time cross was gathered by Clarke as Poku was lurking at the far post.

Karolis Atutis was then denied a goal as his header was cleared off the line by Gogo back defending for his side.

Redbridge came forward looking to get back into the match however the Ilford back line were happy to head away the danger on more than one occasion before Gogo had a couple of efforts both well saved.

Ilford were not finished just yet as substitute Isiah Anjourin got on the end of a cross heading past Greene to seal the victory for the away side as they gained revenge for their previous defeat and
progress through to the 2nd round where they will face Wadham Lodge whilst the home side are left to reflect on a 2nd defeat in the past week.

Report by Adam Silver