Redbridge hosted Grays Athletic in the 2nd Round of the Velocity Cup with fellow Isthmian North side Stanway Rovers awaiting the winners.

A changed line up from the weekend victory over Lowestoft Town saw Jake Anderson replace the injured Samuel Nwabuko in goal along with starts for Prince Sikiru and Fotsing Pitoula Wabo.

It was the away side who found themselves ahead when awarded a penalty in the early stages of the game after Henry Day’s high boot caught an opposing player in the box.

Jack stone sent Anderson the wrong way and put his side ahead, Redbridge almost got a quick equaliser when Jack Chawner played the ball
over the top searching for the run of Day who just failed to connect at the far post.

Redbridge did soon level with a goal from Soumen Nandi who at the second time of asking made no mistake firing past Mackenzie Drew.

Nandi almost got his second when his long-range effort forced a good save from Drew however the home side did go ahead when Prince

Sikiru showed good composure to cut inside then place the ball into the bottom of the net although he took a knock for his troubles and was
forced to leave the field being replaced by George Cleveland.

Into the second period and Grays found the equaliser when a cross from Freddie Price found the head of ex Redbridge midfielder Oscar Shelvley who headed home from close range to level at 2-2.

Grays were starting to look a lot sharper on the ball, they were granted a free kick outside the box which fortunately fell straight into the arms of Anderson.

A great ball by Chawner then found the run of Pitoula Wabo who tried to beat the keeper on the ground however should have lifted the ball above the outrushing keeper.

Redbridge were now starting to turn the screw , Josh Taylor doing well on the left winning his side a corner

Good strength to get into the box from Cleavland saw his dangerous cross evade everyone in a blue shirt.

With no further opportunities the match ended 2-2 and went straight into a penalty shoot-out.

With both sides scoring their first 5 kicks we headed to sudden death, and it was keeper Anderson who made the all important stop to see his side win 7-6 and progress into the next round.

report by James Sibthorpe