At the third time of asking—after previous postponements due to the weather—this Velocity Cup Quarter-Final finally went ahead at the Techsoc.com Stadium, with the Motormen knowing a home semi-final against Isthmian Premier side Wingate & Finchley awaited the winners.

Redbridge began brightly and were quickly on the front foot. Recent signing Samuel Carter came closest in the early stages, his powerful header cleared off the line as the home side signalled their intent.

Darren Esuka proved a constant menace with his pace and strength, while much of Redbridge’s attacking play flowed down the right through the tireless Emmanuel Kwatchey. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, clear-cut chances were limited, and Crowborough remained organised at the back.

Both sides went into the interval locked at 0–0.

The pattern continued after the restart, with Redbridge applying sustained pressure. Pedro Carvalho came within inches of breaking the deadlock, his curling effort narrowly missing the far post.

The opening goal soon arrived—and from an unlikely source. Defender Kai Thomas-Fraser rose highest to meet a delivery into the box, his header slipping through the grasp of goalkeeper Charlie Holmwood to hand Redbridge a deserved lead.

With the home side pushing for a second, it was Crowborough who struck next. A delicate through ball split the defence and found Josh Turner, who showed composure to slot beyond Samuel Nwabuko and restore parity.

The response was swift. Carvalho surged into the penalty area and was brought down under a heavy challenge, leaving the referee with little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Skipper Jack Chawner stepped up and emphatically dispatched the penalty to put the Motormen back in front.

Momentum firmly on their side, Redbridge extended their advantage soon after. A Chawner free-kick was headed down into the danger area; although Olamiji Ayoola failed to connect at first, he reacted quickest when the ball was recycled across goal, stabbing home from close range to make it three.

From that point on, it was largely one-way traffic. Redbridge created several gilt-edged chances to further extend their lead, while Crowborough struggled to mount any meaningful response.

At the final whistle, it was Redbridge who marched confidently into the semi-finals, keeping their cup dream alive and setting up an enticing last-four clash on home soil

report by Adam Silver