Redbridge produced a stunning performance to defeat Isthmian Premier side Aveley 4–3 in a dramatic Velocity Cup Fourth Round tie, securing their place in the Quarter Finals. Despite battling atrocious weather conditions and playing the final stages with ten men, the Motormen showed resilience and snatched victory with a stoppage-time winner.

Aveley started the brighter of the two sides, with Ryan Charles drilling an early effort wide. However, it was Redbridge who struck first. A precise ball over the top from Jack Chawner released Malachi Napa, who squared for Solomon Ogunwomoju to finish clinically past Christian North.

Moments later, the visitors doubled their lead. Ogunwomoju turned provider, finding Napa, who unselfishly set up Kaya Hansson-Ramis-Hayettin for a simple close-range finish. Redbridge looked rampant and could have added a third when Prince Sikiru danced past a defender, but Ogunwomoju’s tame effort was easily saved.

Aveley clawed one back in fortuitous fashion as Charles’ cross, aided by the swirling wind, sailed over everyone and into the net. The hosts grew in confidence and soon equalised through Jayden Gipson, who pounced on a loose ball after a corner caused chaos in the box.
Redbridge’s night took a turn when Sikiru was shown a straight red for retaliation, leaving the visitors with ten men. Aveley pressed for a third, but Nwabuko bravely denied Christopher Harris before the break.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Redbridge continued to threaten. Chawner’s audacious long-range free-kick almost caught North off his line, while Napa’s clever lob was gathered at the second attempt.

Aveley then completed the turnaround with a stunning strike from Joshua Colyer, who curled home from the edge of the box to make it 3–2. However, Redbridge hit back almost immediately. Hayettin was brought down in the area, and Napa coolly converted the penalty to level at 3–3.

The closing stages were frantic. Redbridge dominated, forcing a series of corners and twice hitting the woodwork in quick succession through the superb Malachi Napa with North well beaten on both occasions.

Just as the game seemed destined for penalties, Kai Thomas-Fraser popped up at the far post in stoppage time to slot home the winner, sparking wild celebrations from the away bench.

report by Adam Silver