Redbridge made the short journey to Mayesbrook Park where they faced Barking as both sides started their London Senior Cup campaign.

Heavy rain throughout the day saw many other games fall victim but the Barking pitch was looking good and the game went ahead without any problems.

James Barlow had an early run at the home defence but was crowded out before he could get a shot in.

Barking went ahead after 10 minutes as Shermadin Artmeladze played in Michael Dixon and he made no mistake firing past George Martin.

The home side went close to doubling their lead as Nana Boakye-Yiadom headed wide unmarked from close range.

Barking were certainly looking and playing like a side one step higher than their opposition and they were dominant with possession in the early stages.

A good opportunity for Redbridge as debutant Tony Martin took advantage of some hesitant Barking defending stealing the ball but shooting just wide.

Boayke-Yiadom got in front of a defender and poked the ball past Martin but was denied scoring as defender Reece Latimer raced back to clear off the line only for the referee to th3n surprisingly award a goal kick?

Barking then increased their lead as a ball was put into the box finding Junior Dadson and the experienced striker thumped home a volley leaving Martin no chance.

At the other end a Liam Burgess free kick found the head of Dean Hall who could not keep his header down which sailed just over the bar.

A minute before the break Redbridge did get themselves back into the match as a pass up field saw Daniel Gilchrist beat Montel Joseph to the ball and from full 35 yards out he saw his long range effort find the back of the net.

It was a good time to pull a goal back but its often said you are sometimes most vulnerable to concede straight after scoring and that certainly proved the case here as Redbridge switched off at the back allowing ex Motorman Jack Roult to steal in at the far post and score much to the frustration of the away bench.

A stern half time talk was obviously given as Redbridge came quickly out the blocks from kick off and were awarded a penalty when Gilchrist found Barlow who had his legs taken from under him in the box.

Gilchrist stepped up and although his initial effort was saved he reacted quickest to poke home the rebound.

Redbridge were having their best spell of the match spraying the ball around as they tried to get themselves level.

Barking then came back as first Dixon and then Dadson both saw efforts go close before Artmeladze showed them how it should be done as he cut inside from a wide angle before firing a low effort beating Martin at his near post.

Further chances came for home side with substitute Kojo Apenteng going close as he rifled an effort over the bar.

Redbridge however yet again showed character and their not beaten attitude resulted in Gilchrist popping up to grab his hat trick as he firstly fired a shot which although Joseph initially saved he pounced to knock home the rebound.

Barking as before though took no time in responding and Dixon wriggled his way past 3 defenders before squeezing an effort through a crowded area into the back of the net.

Redbridge were kicking themselves for conceding again so soon after scoring and getting back into the match.

Dadson then turned and shot straight at Martin whilst at the other end Redbridge had a penalty shout waved away as Gilchrist looked to be pushed to the ground under a heavy challenge from Joseph who punched clear.

Barking however were not finished for the evening and a long ball up field was missed by Luke Stanley allowing Dixon to run goal wards and with just Martin to beat he waltzed past him and fired the 6th goal which sealed the victory and puts them into the next round of the competition.

report by Adam Silver