The Motormen were in familiar surroundings of the Oakside although were playing this match as the away side facing Essex Alliance Side DTFC in the first knockout stage of the Len Cordell Memorial Cup. Having topped their group with three wins from their three matches played they came into the game in good form however knew they were in for a tough challenge against a side who had already showed they can compete with higher placed opposition.

The early stages saw little action of note and the game did not come alive until the 14th minute when Redbridge were awarded a penalty after a player was upended in the box , up stepped striker Tony Martin who sent ex Redbridge goalkeeper Alex Jennings the wrong way and grabbed his 4th goal of the tournament thus far.

Buoyed by the goal Redbridge attacked again and soon doubled their advantage, DTFC failed to clear the ball from their own box allowing Abdishakur Farah to steal possession before looking up and squaring to Martin who fired a low drive into the corner of the net for his second of the match with just 18 minutes on the clock.

Redbridge were in control and were so close to grabbing a third , Ayub Kadiri broke up field and although the defender forced him out wide he was able to fizz the ball across the area which was crying to be turned into the net but evaded Martin at the far post.

DTFC however soon gave Redbridge an almighty scare when a defensive lapse allowed Jake Kissiedu in on goal and with just George Martin in goal to beat he could only succeed in hitting a post, it was certainly a lucky escape for the Motormen.

The home side started to apply a foothold on the game certainly never letting their heads drop as they had a couple of opportunities and showed they were certainly still in the match.

At the other end a lovely pass from Jake Brocklebank found the run of Kadiri who once again crossed into the middle and just as before there was nobody on the end of it in a blue shirt.

With literally the last kick of the first half DTFC did pull a goal back and what a strike it was, Kissiedu who was looking impressive down the right flank picked up the ball before cutting inside his man and letting fly from outside the area, before Martin could even move the ball had flown past him nestling into the top corner of the goal leaving him flapping at thin air. Unfortunately no supporters were in the ground to see it but had they been there it would have been worth the admission money alone.

The second period began with DTFC being given a massive boost by that late goal however it was Redbridge who started the better of the two sides, Farah turned well to make space for himself and although he was able to get a shot on goal it was directly at the keeper who made the stop.

The match then became a little physical with DTFC winning a series of free kicks as they continued to push for an equaliser making it difficult at time for Redbridge to find any rhythm as they became a little sloppy in possession.

They did however have a strong appeal for a second penalty of the evening when substitute Gyane Sanderson was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge in the box but as he stayed on his feet any appeals were waved away.

As the match headed towards its conclusion DTFC were reduced to 10 men when their best played and goal scorer Kissiedu was sent from the field for what we believe was use of foul language towards the referee.

The 10 men of DTFC continued to soldier on in search of that goal however it never came and Redbridge were able to hold on for the victory which now sees them into the Quarter Final stage where they will host Athletic Newham (formerly Lopes Tavares) next weekend.

match report by Adam Silver