Motormen Progress in Trophy

On a very hot afternoon at the Oakside we came through the Isuzu FA Trophy First Qualifying round as we returned to the competition for the first time since the 2015/16 season.

Stotford started off the more attacking of the two sides and had a few early chances and a close offside call.

In the 20th min after a nice one two between Kobe Yeboah and Joseph Elliott the latter made a run showing nice skill to beat a defender before unleashed a cracking shot into the top right hand corner from 30 yds out to put us 1-0 ahead.

Jerold Cobblah worked tirelessly in the middle making runs and tackles and he and captain James Barlow had chances to put us further ahead but there shots were either saved or deflected.

Henry Day and Bradley Bennett who was making his 100th appearance for the Motormen held strong at the back after several runs from the opposition went close as they tried to level the tie but we managed to hold on to the lead as we approached half time.

Barlow again and then Abs Thompson had chances to extend the lead and put the tie to bed but some hard defending from the opposition kept them at bay. Solomon Ogunwomoju went even closer when he saw his shot deflected onto the bar .

The woodwork once again came to Stotfold's rescue as Redbridge substitute Warren Kayembe crashed a shot against the post after going on a great run.

Stotfold to their credit never gave up and threw all at Redbridge defence late on but the Motormen march on to the the next round where they will meet WithamTown away.

report by Stephen Goldstein