Redbridge met FC Clacton at Takeley FC on this Bank Holiday Monday in the Peter Butcher Memorial Final looking to retain the trophy that they had picked up last year.

Just 48 hours on from a fantastic day which saw the Motormen seal promotion back to Step Four for the first time in seven years they took to the field with six of those who had started on Saturday featuring whilst making several other changes still with another cup final to come later this week.

After that win Redbridge no doubt were flying with confidence however knew they were in for a tough encounter against a side who ended the season with a 4th place finish and indeed had beaten the Motormen just a few weeks earlier in the league.

Within the first few minutes the challenges went flying in as FC Clacton were awarded a couple of free kicks after some late challenges by Redbridge duo Remi Nelson and Abs Thompson.

The first chance of the game came to the Seasiders when Michael Okafor was allowed time to run forward and his powerful drive was initially parried by George Martin in goal but he was able to gather at the second time of asking.

The early momentum appeared to be with Clacton however from Redbridge’s first attack up field they went ahead, a ball was played through the middle finding Ibrahim Kehinde who beat the offside trap and calmly slotted home.

Redbridge then had half heated appeals for a penalty when James Barlow went down when coming together with a Clacton defender after knocking the ball past keeper Luke Avenell however the referee waved play on.

Olamiji Ayoola was then too casual playing out from the back allowing Teddy Collis to steal back possession , he decided to go alone and shot at goal but his effort was comfortably gathered by Martin.

With the match now becoming more open Redbridge were almost back in for a second, Jerold Cobblah showed good strength to ride a couple of challenges before setting Kehinde on his way but just as he about to let fly a Clacton defender was quickly across to make a good block.

Redbridge ended the half the stronger as Jack Chawner saw a free kick fire wide before James Barlow almost was in on goal however there were no further clear chances at the half time whistle soon blew.

Straight from the whistle the Motormen went on the attack, Cobblah won back the ball before putting in Barlow down the left flank and his deep cross just evaded Kehinde who was lurking at the far post.

Clacton then had a big chance to draw level , again some hesitant defending at the back for Redbridge allowed their striker in on goal however Martin was quickly out off his line to deny him with a good save.

Redbridge then came forward with a good passing move, substitute Solomon Ogunwomoju crossed into the box searching for Cobblah who got his timing all wrong and failed to get a decent connection on the ball.

Both sides were starting to tire and looked to the bench for inspiration, neither side were really creating much in the way of good chances and defences seemed to be on top.

Nelson went closest when his fierce shot was well turned behind by Avenell for a corner whilst at the other end Redbridge were having to defend in numbers as Clacton pushed forward in search of the equaliser.

They forced a series of corners with their big centre half Chris Ribchester coming closest as he snatched at a shot, but his effort flew well over the bar.

Redbridge sub had a chance to seal victory when substitute Brian Moses spurned an opportunity from close range although a raised flag spared his blushes whilst back at the other end Martin had to punch clear getting in front of the Clacton attacker.

That proved to be the final action of the day as full time was then signaled resulting in a Redbridge victory as they made it back-to-back cup success in the Peter Butcher Trophy, they now have the chance of capping it off with a possible treble on Friday night in the Errington Cup Final v Barking.

report by Adam Silver