Redbridge were playing their first match in the Emirates FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round since the 2011/12 season when they got all the way to the 2nd Round proper.    This time round they hosted Southern League Premier Central side Royston Town who had made a difficult start to their league campaign.

An early corner from the home side saw Solomon Ogunwomoju head wide however from Royston's first attack they went ahead.

Good wide play from Thomas Avgoustidi saw him deliver a cross which found the unmarked Kian Harness who powered his header home.

The next 10/15miniutes passed by with little of note and goalscoring opportunity before Redbridge started to up the tempo.

A lovely weighted through ball from Jack Chawner found the run of Ogunwomoju but he was beaten to the ball by a Royston defender.

From a free-kick Royston almost doubled their lead,   Joe Iaciofano winning his header which dropped just wide of the upright.

The equaliser soon arrived,  a long ball from Ogunwomoju found Wesley Mbedzu who beat defender and keeper to fire home into an empty net from a difficult angle. 

A great passing move then saw Redbridge put the ball into the back of the net only for a flag to be raised on the far side.

The home side were now well in control,   much of their good play came down the right through Ogunwomoju and Mekael Williams who were partnering well together.

They however failed to take advantage of their upturn in form and the half time whistle shortly arrived. 

Royston responded at the break with a number of changes which gave them added height and physicality,    they almost went ahead however a post came to Redbridge's rescue.

From a corner they were soon back ahead,  skipper James Brighton timed his run well and looped his header into the goal beating Samuel Nwabuko.

Royston were now taking a foothold in the game restricting the home side to any clear cut chances.

Redbridge were struggling to find any rhythm ,   their best effort coming from Williams who fired well over before Royston reacted with Luke Warner-Eley saw his free-kick tipped over by Nwabuko who had to be alert.

The home side turned to the bench with some late changes but it was Royston who stood firm to see out the victory and will find themselves in the hat for the next round on Monday.

Report by Adam Silver