Redbridge's hopes of ending their long wait for a London Senior Cup victory were dashed once again as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Isthmian South East Division side Erith Town.

The Motormen made the trip south of the river looking to break a frustrating run in the competition, having exited at the first hurdle in each of the previous eight seasons. Fresh from their weekend victory over Wroxham, Redbridge made two changes to the starting line-up, with Ramiah Mills and Usisya Longwe coming into the side, while the hosts handed a debut to goalkeeper Javarn Pitterson.

Redbridge made the brighter start and fashioned the first opening of the evening. Pedro Carvalho delivered an inviting cross into the box which found Louie Remi, but his first-time effort was well saved by Pitterson, who reacted quickly to get down and gather.

Erith's first meaningful attack soon followed when Andrew Dythe's cross was met by Harry Taylor, whose header sailed comfortably over the crossbar.

Carvalho remained at the heart of Redbridge's attacking play and showed excellent footwork to create space on the edge of the area before testing Pitterson with a driven effort that was held securely by the debutant goalkeeper.

Chances remained at a premium during a tightly contested first half. Taylor tried his luck with an ambitious volley that drifted just over, while Redbridge continued to edge the possession and territory.

The game's first real moment of danger came from Erith winger Jefferson Aibangbee. Picking the ball up wide on the left, he drove infield before unleashing a powerful shot that beat Lewis Greene but crashed back off the crossbar and into the grateful arms of the Redbridge stopper.

The visitors responded immediately. Karl Kayembe dragged an effort narrowly wide before Pitterson was forced into action once again, tipping over a dangerous cross-shot that looked destined for the far corner.

Erith felt they had broken the deadlock shortly afterwards in what proved to be the game's major talking point. Aibangbee's curling effort appeared to be heading into the net before Taylor attempted to make sure from close range. His effort was blocked on the goal line, but both the striker and the home supporters behind the goal were convinced the ball had crossed the line. The officials, however, waved play on.

Redbridge nearly capitalised on that escape. Mills burst into the penalty area and saw a shot from a narrow angle blocked by the legs of Pitterson, who then denied him again moments later with another smart save.

As half-time approached, Erith eventually found the breakthrough. James Dyer was afforded too much space on the edge of the box and punished the visitors with a powerful low strike that beat Greene at his near post and gave the hosts a 1-0 lead at the interval.

The Motormen introduced Fotsing Pitoula-Wabo at the break in place of Remi, and the substitute nearly made an immediate impact. Pressing aggressively, he stole possession from a defender before looking to pick out Carvalho for a simple finish, but a recovering defender managed to clear the danger.

Mills continued to threaten with his pace down the right flank, but his dangerous delivery was intercepted by the alert Pitterson before any damage could be done.

Redbridge's hopes were then dealt a significant blow through a self-inflicted error. A misplaced pass from captain Henry Day gifted possession to Harry Taylor. Although Taylor's first touch got away from him, the ball broke kindly for Dyer, who reacted quickest to fire beyond Greene and double Erith's advantage.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors shortly afterwards. Jerome Jayaguru's cross into a crowded penalty area saw a home player go to ground under a challenge from Ayodeji Olukoga. The referee not only pointed to the penalty spot but also showed Olukoga a red card, reducing Redbridge to ten men.

Dyer had the chance to complete his hat-trick from the spot, but Greene produced an excellent save, diving sharply across his goal to keep out the penalty and maintain a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

Redbridge nearly found a route back into the contest when Jack Chawner's effort beat the goalkeeper but crashed back off the crossbar before being hacked clear.

Even with a man fewer, the Motormen continued to push forward, with Carvalho remaining their main attacking threat. However, the final pass or finish consistently eluded them.

At the other end, Erith remained dangerous on the counter. A slick passing move carved open the Redbridge defence and ended with substitute Tahjae Anderson forcing a fine save from Greene. Dyer was later denied his hat-trick by a brave defensive block before Anderson squandered another golden chance from close range.

Despite their efforts, Redbridge were unable to find a way back into the game. The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Erith Town, who advance into the next round, while Redbridge's disappointing run in the London Senior Cup continues.‌

report by Adam Silver