Redbridge welcomed National League South leaders Hornchurch in the third round of the BBC Essex Senior Cup. A changed line up from the home side saw a debut for Emmanuel Kwatchey with a first start for Jayden Ashbourne.

The match kicked off with Redbridge opting for a cautious approach, building from the back. Early signs of intent came from Malachi Napa, who made a threatening run down the flank before being intercepted by Sean Scannell. From the resulting throw-in, Napa tried to link up play again, but possession was turned over to Charlie Pegrum, formerly of Leyton Orient, who joined Hornchurch alongside Rhys Byrne. Pegrum initiated a swift counter, ending with a cross from Welch that lacked a finishing touch.

Redbridge struck first blood through Solomon Ogunwomoju who got on the end of a delivery from Joseph Johnson, slotting home to make it 1–0.

Hornchurch responded swiftly, Darren McQueen ran onto a pass and although keeper Samuel Nwabuko looked to clear he slipped allowing the striker to calmly finish and level the scores at 1–1.

McQueen continued to threaten, with another strong run seeing a shot well blocked by Henry Day.

Redbridge almost regained the lead when Napa unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the area, narrowly missing the target.

Hornchurch turned up the pressure, and once again it was McQueen who made the difference – he ran onto a ball over the top and from a wide position curled a beautiful shot into the top corner to make it 2–1 to the visitors before the break.

There were late first-half chances for both sides. A corner from Joseph Johnson failed to find a target, while a Sandat free-kick for Hornchurch was denied by the Redbridge wall.

Hornchurch controlled the early stages of the second half, maintaining possession and dictating the tempo. A corner routine saw Sandat strike from outside the box, rattling the crossbar. Moments later, another set-piece saw a header cleared off the line by the ever-alert Johnson.

The pressure paid off when a deep cross from the left found McQueen, who completed his hat-trick with a composed finish to extend Hornchurch’s lead to 3–1.

Redbridge tried to rally. Mekael Williams delivered a teasing ball into the area, but Rhys Byrne was quick off his line to gather. Substitute Reuben Campbell also found himself in a promising position, only to be denied by strong Hornchurch defending.

Full time was then called on what was a spirited performance from the Motormen that ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome the clinical visitors.

Hornchurch advance to the next round of the Essex Senior Cup, while Redbridge can take positives from their competitive display against higher-tier opposition.

report by James Sibthorpe