With Henry Day unavailable, Nathan Inga and Abdulai Sarr formed the central defensive partnership, while Jack Chawner captained the side.

Redbridge carved out the first chance of the afternoon when a loose Cambridge pass fell to Bruno Tavares, whose early strike was saved by City keeper James Philip.

Cambridge responded strongly. A fierce effort from Alex Warman thundered off the crossbar before the same player opened the scoring moments later, poking home from close range after Redbridge failed to clear their lines.

The hosts dominated possession for much of the half, forcing corners and testing the Redbridge back line.

Freddie Hockey went close with a strike that flew narrowly wide before Lewis Greene produced a smart save to deny Reece Harris.

Despite Cambridge’s pressure, their missed chances kept the score at 1–0 heading into the interval.

Redbridge made adjustments at the break, with Chawner dropping into the back four.   The change brought more stability, and the visitors
began to grow into the game.

Chawner fired a free‑kick just over after Louie Remi was brought down on the edge of the box.

A golden opportunity arrived when Carvalho seized on another misplaced Cambridge pass, but hesitation allowed Philip to smother his effort.

Cambridge almost doubled their lead when Hockey’s cross found Fletcher Toll, whose stabbed effort struck the post and bounced away.

As heavy rain swept across the ground, substitutes Zayshaun Asamoah and Philip Brown Bampoe both threatened late on.

With the clock hitting ninety, Redbridge found their moment. A superb cross‑field pass released Pedro Carvalho, who cut inside and curled a brilliant effort into the far corner to level the tie.

The goal sent the match straight to penalties,  Cambridge City were flawless from the spot, converting all of their kicks.

Redbridge, however, missed twice, allowing the home side to progress to the next round.

report by Adam Silver