Redbridge’s promotion dream ended in heartbreaking fashion as they were beaten on penalties by Stanway Rovers after a tense, hard‑fought Isthmian North Play‑Off Final that finished goalless after 120 gruelling minutes.

Both sides arrived full of belief after stunning midweek semi‑final victories — Stanway overcoming Waltham Abbey, while Redbridge produced a superb away performance to knock out second‑placed Felixstowe & Walton. With sunshine pouring down and a large crowd creating a lively atmosphere, the stage was set for a dramatic afternoon.

The hosts carved out the first opening when a cross found Alfie Bennett, whose sweetly‑struck volley was deflected behind. From the resulting corner, Zack Littlejohn rose highest and saw his looping header crash off the bar — a major early escape for the Motormen.

Redbridge responded with their first foray forward as Pedro Carvalho’s cross was turned behind, but the early pattern was clear: nerves, long balls, and a heavy pitch that kept the ball in the air more than on the ground.

A free‑kick from talisman Jack Chawner briefly lifted the away end, his driven effort forcing Callum Robinson into a fingertip save. Stanway continued to look direct, but the Redbridge back line stood firm, limiting the hosts to half‑chances and set pieces.

The second period began scrappily, both sides surrendering possession cheaply. Stanway enjoyed a spell of pressure, winning a series of free‑kicks and disrupting Redbridge’s usual passing rhythm.

The Motormen still carved out openings, but efforts from Karl Kayembe, Carvalho and Chawner all flew over the bar. At the other end, a long throw caused chaos in the Redbridge box, but the defence somehow scrambled clear.

With three added minutes producing no further chances, the final moved into extra‑time.

Redbridge came closest to breaking the deadlock when Kayembe met a bouncing ball with a fierce volley that seemed destined for the bottom corner, only for Robinson to produce a superb low save.

Stanway’s best moment saw Bennett turn sharply before toe‑poking wide, while the final chance of the match fell to substitute Adriano Morrison. His cross was spilled by Robinson, but once again no blue shirt was on hand to capitalise.

After 120 tense minutes, penalties were required.

Redbridge struck first from the spot, but a later miss and a strong Robinson save proved costly. Stanway converted all four of their penalties to secure promotion to Step Three for the first time in their history.

For Redbridge, it was defeat in the harshest possible manner — a cruel end to a superb campaign in which they defied expectations, fought through adversity, and came within a whisker of promotion.

The Motormen leave the pitch disappointed, but with immense pride in what they achieved this season.

Report by Adam Silver