Motormen beat Young Blues

The Motormen travelled to Roots Hall to face a Southend United Academy side in the 3rd Round of the Essex Senior Cup.

Redbridge fielded a strong side after going over 2 weeks without a game due to postponements so were looking to get their squad up to match fitness ahead of a busy fixture schedule ahead.

Within the Blues line up was 1st team goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi who was returning from injury whilst striker Beau Macdonald aged just 16 had recently starred for the 1st team in doing so becoming the fourth youngest player in their history.

Redbridge started on the front foot with lots of the action coming down the left side through Soumen Nandi, it took just 9 minutes for the opening goal as Joe Elliott saw his shot well saved by Andeng-Ndi but following up was Louie Johnson to fire home on his debut with an angled finish.

Redbridge continued to push forward as first Kobe Yeboah then Nandi both had efforts which were held by the Southend keeper however the second goal duly arrived , Mekael Williams got forward down the left and he crossed over to the far post where Johnson was on hand to head home unmarked at the far post for his brace.

Southend were struggling to create any real attacking opportunities and were guilty on several occasions of giving the ball away in the middle of the pitch however Redbridge failed to add any further goals as the half time whistle blew.

The second period begins in the same vain as the 1st half as ex Southend academy player Yeboah powerful run forward was halted winning his side a free kick. It was shortly 3-0 as skipper Lewis Clark headed home from close range into the bottom corner after Southend had failed to clear the danger.

Ayo Odukoya was then tripped in the box winning his side a penalty, the ball was handed over to Johnson looking for his hattrick however he smashed his kick against the cross bar and Southend survived.

Further chances came for Redbridge who were in dominant mood, Nandi who was having a good game tried beat several players before his final touch was too heavy and saw the ball go out of play before the same player then squared to Oscar Shelvey-Negus who saw his shot fired straight at Andeng-Ndi.

The chances continued to add up as substitute Bradley Bennett saw his header clip the crossbar from a Nandi corner.

Redbridge did eventually score a 4th, Nandi free kick was partially cleared and Johnson was on hand to guide home into the left corner of the net to complete a debut hattrick.

Substitute Jack Chawner then strode forward as he collected passes with a team mate before getting a shot in which was easily saved before the full time whistle was called.

In truth it was a tough evening for the young blues who to their credit kept going throughout but the difference in physicality was evident at times and Redbridge comfortably progress to the 4th round where they will face Chelmsford City next Monday evening.

report by Adam Silver