Redbridge were in familiar surroundings of the Oakside although were playing as the away side as they took to the field against old friends Barkingside in the second group game of the Len Cordell Cup. Both sides had picked up wins in their first matches against Clapton and Woodford Town respectively so were looking for the early chance to top the group.

The match took a while to really get going as either side failed to get any rhythm however it was Barkingside who had more of the ball in the opening stages with and had the first chance when David Etcheri saw his shot narrowly blaze wide of the target.

The deadlock was broken on 16 minutes , Reece Simpson saw his effort spilled by George Martin in the Redbridge goal and whilst the defenders stood on ceremony up popped ex Motorman Jacob Dingli to stroke home the loose ball.

Redbridge came forward through Shaun Harris who found Darnell Bromfield in space , his powerful drive from distance was punched clear by Duncan Smith and eventually was cleared for a corner which came to nothing.

Moments later they did however find the equaliser, Harris powered through a congested penalty box before placing a fine finish into the back of the net to draw the Motormen level.

Redbridge buoyed by their goal came forward once again, Chikosi Basden putting over a good cross which was headed wide by skipper James Barlow which proved to be the final effort of the first half.

The away side started the half as they had ended the first and applied early pressure on their opponents goal however at the other end George Martin had to be alert as he rushed out his area to make a clearance just before the Barkingside striker reached the ball.

The next goal shortly arrived as Redbridge turned the match around, good work out wide by Gyane Sanderson saw him find Tony Martin who had time and space to fire past Smith in goal.

Both sides then proceeded to make a series of substitutions as this competition allows an extra fourth sub to be used , neither side really created many more chances and Redbridge were able to just play out the rest of the game without ever really being tested.

Full time was soon called giving Redbridge the win and leaving them top of the group heading into their final group match away at Woodford Town next Saturday as they look to progress into the next round of the tournament.

report by Adam Silver