Motormen into Semi Finals

The Motormen travelled to a wet and windy Canvey Island to face Isthmian Premier side Concord Rangers in the Quarter Finals of the BBC Essex Senior Cup.

Last season these two sides were 3 divisions apart but with Concord being relegated from the Conference South and Redbridge gaining promotion to the Isthmian North there was just 1 league separating the teams however the home side were having a difficult season struggling at the wrong end of the table.

The away side started the match in positive fashion with the first opportunity falling to striker Ayo Odukoya who beat the onrushing keeper Mason Terry to the ball but saw his header drop wide, the same player then showed good strength to hold off a defender before shooting from distance which on the wet surface could have caused issues for Terry but he was able to gather.

A ball over the top then found the run of Soumen Nandi who in trademark fashion looked to cut inside from the left looking to unleash a curling effort which was well blocked.

Concord were struggling to get to grips with the game and had as yet barely got out their own half , they did finally get the ball up field winning a corner for their efforts.

It was not long before the ball was back at the other end as Nandi curled another effort just wide before the opening goal did arrive , a poor defensive clearance from Curtis Ujah allowed Abs Thompson in on goal and although his shot was initially saved by Terry in came Louis Johnson who was quicker to the ball than the defenders and able to stab home, it was certainly no less than Redbridge deserved for their opening play.

Redbridge were well on top and were soon awarded a chance to extend their advantage when they were awarded a penalty, many inside the ground had no idea at first why it had been awarded however the referee saw a clear trip on Jack Chawner inside the box and the right decision was given.

Up stepped Ayo Odukoya to fire straight down the middle of goal for his third goal in the last four games.

The pressure on the home side continued as the impressive Nandi found further space on the left as he curled an effort just wide of the upright with Terry looking beaten.

If Concord’s job was not already difficult enough it was made much more difficult just before the break when they were reduced to ten men, Max Hudson seeing a straight red for a swinging arm right in front of the referee.

Straight from 2nd half kick off and good pace by Nandi saw him put over a teasing cross to the far post which was put behind for an early corner.

Concord had a chance to break but solid defending from Redbridge saw off any threat before a counter saw Odukoya put clear however he took a heavy touch which saw the ball fall away although he was still able to find Nandi who fired in an effort wide.

The home side were looking more lively coming forward with 10 men than had been the case in the first period and a dangerous cross from the right almost found substitute Lucas Polybank but Connor Wheatley was quickly out of his goal to thwart the danger.

A nice passing move from Redbridge almost resulted in another goal, the ball eventually finding it’s way into the path of Bradley Bennett who let fly with a powerful drive which looked to be heading for the top corner only for Terry to make a great diving save.

Concord were having a spell of possession but not really able to hurt their opponents whilst Redbridge were not making full advantage of having the extra man. Substitute James Barlow saw a chance go begging from very close range when the ball fell to him in the box but it ended up hitting off him and falling kindly into the arms of Terry.

There were no real further chances of note and play was held up for 5 mins or so when Amine Sassi went down under a heavy challenge and although there were some calls from the stands for a red card the referee deemed ta yellow was suffice, the player was forced to leave the field and we wish him well.

With that full time was eventually called and it will be Redbridge who progress into the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since the 2015/16 season , their opponents still to be confirmed but will be between Maldon & Tiptree/Witham Town or Little Oakley.

Report by Adam Silver