It was 2nd v 3rd as the Motormen made the short journey to Ashton Playing Fields for this Errington Challenge Cup Semi-Final, Woodford Town knew a win would give them one final match of the season where Redbridge could have been forgiven for having one eye on other fixtures ahead what with an Inter League Play Off Final to come on Saturday plus the fact that they are already into the final of the Peter Butcher Trophy on Bank Holiday Monday.

It was therefore no real surprise to see the away side ring the changes throughout with several of the first team either rested on starting on the bench.

One of those changes in Remi Nelson wearing the captains armband on the night was the first to try his luck with a shot from distance which was always rising and failed to trouble Sam Soutat in goal.

Woodford soon ventured forward for the first time winning a corner in the process, the ball was played out to Dimi Christou however his shot was easily gathered by George Martin in the Redbridge goal.

The home side almost found themselves in with a good shooting opportunity but defender Olamiji Ayoola timed his challenge well and was able to clear the danger.

Back came Redbridge, Joe Elliott whipping over a cross from the left finding Michel Pindy who was unable to keep his header on target. In the early stages it was already a common sight to see Elliott launching his long throws into the Woodford box which was causing them issues however Redbridge were unable to capitalize.

The remainder of the first period went by very quickly with very little of note to report on and although the away side were on top in way of possession they had been unable to seize the opportunity.

Into the second period and once again from a long Elliott throw Redbridge were almost in, Pindy this time from close range unable to find the net. A scrappy passage of play followed where neither side were really unable to hold onto the ball especially in the middle of the park.

A big chance followed for the home side , substitute George Thompson got in behind the Redbridge defence but his shot was initially saved by Martin before being cleared by his defenders. Just two minutes later however and Woodford went in front , this time Thompson got himself into space and with nobody around him on the edge of the six yard box he was able to poke the ball home past Martin.

Both sides looked to the bench to freshen things up and one of those changes in Redbridge sub Abs Thompson was quickly involved, he got down the by-line before pulling over a deep cross which was knocked down into the middle but again was nobody on hand to follow up.

Woodford then tried their luck from range, James Runham shooting from full on 25 yards with an effort which narrowly whistled over the bar.

Shortly after the home side were reduced to ten men when their skipper Georges Kebi was sent from the field and although from the stands it was unclear at first to what the offence was it was soon confirmed a Redbridge player had been bitten inside a busy six yard to which the referee had witnessed leaving him with no other option but to send the player from the field.

Into the final 10 minutes and with the numerical advantage as expected it was a case of backs to the wall for Woodford as Redbridge went in desperate search of the equaliser. Tendai Qumina was put through one on one with just Soutat to beat however the Woodford shot stopper did well to spread himself and make a great save.

With time running out and it is looking like the home side would perhaps hang onto their lead Redbridge finally got themselves back level which on the pattern of play was certainly no more than they had deserved.

Eli Benoit came forward and his thunderous effort smashed against the crossbar before flying high into the sky, with it seemingly taking an age to drop Solomon Ogunwomoju was first on hand to head home the rebound with just four minutes remaining on the clock.

Redbridge now with the wind in their sails were well on top and almost scored again when substitute Mustafa Kahie saw his effort heading for the top corner only to be denied by Soutat who tipped behind for a corner.

A series of corners followed for the away side however Woodford held on to the full-time whistle which was to signal an additional 30 minutes of extra time.

Just four minutes into extra time and finally one of Elliott’s long throws resulted in a goal, it looked like a defender had got the final touch however the goal was credited to Abs Thompson.

Fellow substitute James Barlow then beat Soutat to the ball as he looked for a third however, he was forced wide which allowed Woodford defenders to get back in numbers and clear the danger.

The chances continued for the Motormen as Quamina firstly volleyed wide when heading seemed to be the more suitable option before Ogunwomoju found himself all alone in space and with time to choose his spot he tried for the far corner only to see his shot go agonisingly wide as it cannoned off the post.

Woodford appeared to have run out of legs as Quamina found some pace to beat two players before firing in a shot which had the pace taken out it with a deflection making it an easy save in the end.

The whistle soon blew and with it Redbridge head into a second cup final next week as they look to crown off what has been a superb season, Woodford Town huffed and puffed throughout and although came up short on the night will be delighted with their campaign as they can already turn their attention to next season.

report by Adam Silver