The Motormen travelled to Coles Park home of Haringey Borough to face Woodford Town in their third and final match of the Len Cordell Memorial Cup group stage, already through to the knockout stages they needed at least draw to guarantee they would top their group.

Although no supporters were permitted, had they been at the game any late comers would have certainly missed the first goal which came after just 20 seconds of play. Woodford Town attacked from the kick-off and although the initial effort was blocked number 8 made space for himself before unleashing a powerful drive which flew past George Martin in goal.

Redbridge were certainly shocked by the early goal but didn’t allow their heads to drop and within 3 minutes were back on level terms. A free kick was swung into the middle finding striker Tony Martin who stabbed home from close range grabbing his 3rd goal in 3 games.

James Barlow playing at left back then went on a powerful run up field before putting over a cross which was cleared , the resulting effort from Jack Chawner was gathered by the Woodford keeper.

The home side then came forward through number 11 , his cross reached the striker who could only manage to find the side netting.

Redbridge turn to attack now as Ayub Kadiri waltzed his way into the area leaving several defenders in his wake before smashing a fine effort into the corner of the net to turn the match around.

The lively Kadiri came forward again shooting from long range however his deflected attempt was pushed away by the goalkeeper.

The away side were forced into an early change when Jack Chawner left the field through injury and was replaced by Jake Brocklebank.

Big shouts soon followed from the Woodford players and bench after their number 3 fell to the ground after a challenge with a Redbridge defender however the referee waved away any appeals and the match continued.

Substitute Brocklebank then played a lovely defence splitting pass through the middle finding the run of Kadiri and with time and space to pick his spot this time his shot was well saved by the Woodford keeper.

The final chance of the half fell to the home side, a ball was floated into the middle and although the striker did well to bring the ball down he took too long in finding his feet for the shot and the chance had gone.

Redbridge made a half time change introducing 17 year old Sonny Fish to the field as he replaced Tony Martin upfront and it certainly never took him long to get involved. Barlow won possession in midfield carrying the ball forward before playing in Fish who took a touch before calmly putting the ball into the corner of the net to make it 3-1.

The Motormen were controlling the game and had further chances to extend their lead but failed to take them , they were nearly punished when a Woodford substitute fired over from close range when he really should have at least tested Martin in goal.

With the match coming to an end Redbridge picked up a couple of needless yellow cards before Woodford Town made for a nervy end as they grabbed the goal of the game as their centre back (5) picked the ball up from long range before unleashing a powerful drive which flew past several players before ending up in the back of the goal.

Controversy at the end as a Woodford player sent from the field after picking up a second yellow card for dissent , the full time whistle swiftly followed meaning Redbridge win their group and have been drawn away to Essex Alliance side DTFC in the knock out stage.

Match Report by Adam Silver