A first-half penalty had earned Sports a lead at the break, but when Glen Golby levelled for the visitors on 76 minutes, extra time looked on the cards. Though Hullbridge hit back immediately, Jon Wheatstone winning the tie within 60 seconds.

It was the least Hullbridge deserved after a strong, spirited display, but Redbridge could’ve stolen a 13th minute lead when Alexander O’Leary crashed against the crossbar after a powerful run. Both ‘keepers were soon in action as Redbridge’s Elliot Justham was tested by Gary Paterson before Sports stopper Jason Baker held onto O’Leary’s shot following good work by Golby.

Former Swansea City and Colchester United forward Kevin McLeod whipped-in a neat free kick which saw Shane Stamp flick just wide of the near post for the visitors before the home side took the lead on 42 minutes, Tom Stephen needlessly handling the ball the box and allowing Mick Paterson to fire his side ahead from the spot.

Hullbridge enjoyed the best of a second half which brought few chances as the temperature dropped further still. A tricky run from Adam Harris for the home side resulted in an angled shot deflecting inches wide of the far post. But, on 76, the visitors forced themselves level.

McLeod’s ball into the box saw ‘keeper Baker block Matthew Gillingham’s shot only for Golby to stab the rebound home from close range. The home side’s response was perfect and within a minute they won the tie, Dan Stanley’s centre finding its way to Wheatstone who coolly finished past Justham from six yards.

Hullbridge might have clinched the tie when Stanley struck high from 20 yards then when Mike Shelley curled into the gloves of Justham, but it took an excellent goal line clearance from defender Chris Baker deep into stoppage time to deny McLeod. That preserved the victory and ensured the hosts’ passage into Round Four.