FA Cup Tie Ends all Square

Redbridge started the 2023/24 season off with an FA Cup opening qualifying round tie against fellow Isthmian North side New Salamis, the game was able to proceed even though there had been heavy rain for the majority of the day.

The opening chance of the match fell to the home side, James Barlow crossed from the left finding new signing Flavio Jumo who connected first time seeing his shot beat keeper Reuben Rabstein before bouncing against the bar and away, it certainly looked as though the ball had crossed the line however the referee deemed otherwise and play was allowed to continue.

Salamis then came up field for the first time, Micah Jackson broke free down the right and managed to fire in a shot which Connor Wheatley saved at the second time of asking.

The majority of the early play was coming from the away side as they started to apply the pressure on the Redbridge back line who were having to defend back in numbers/

Jackson then switched across to the left flank putting over a teasing cross which just evaded the ex Wycombe Wanderers striker Derek Asamoah who was lurking at the far post.

It had been a fast paced opening 20 minutes with the away side looking the most likely to open the scoring, Asamoah was proving a handful as found himself on the end of a quick counter attack and Wheatley was forced into making the save.

Redbridge did come forward as fellow debutant Soumen Nandi tried to trick his way past a series of challenges before making room for a shot which was deflected out for their first corner of the game.

That became the first of a series of corners for the home side as they started to knock on the door with Barlow almost getting on the end of a delightful Jack Chawner ball into the box which was headed behind.

The resulting corner found its way back to Chawner who looked up before curling a delightful effort into the far corner , was it a cross or shot only he will know but nobody seemed to care as Redbridge went ahead after 31 minutes.

Goals as we know change games and Redbridge spurred on by their goal now pushed forward, Chawner again looked to be instrumental as he fired over a free-kick which evaded everyone before ending up finding its way to Bradley Bennett creeping in at the far post, he saw his effort held by Rabstein.

Jumo was then played into space and looked certain to double the home side’s advantage however he shot too close to Rabstein who was able to deny the Redbridge striker.

Salamis went close at the other end as the ball dropped just wide of the upright before Barlow battled his way past a defender however his shot lacked power and was easily gathered.

Into the second period and an early equaliser for Salamis although Redbridge will feel disappointed in the manner in which it was conceded, Asamoah was given far too much time and space to run forward before he managed to get in a shot which beat Wheatley at his near post.

The heavens then opened yet again as Redbridge looked to bounce straight back , Rabstein poor clearance fell straight at the feet of Abs Thomspson who tried to then quickly find Barlow in space but his touch just took the ball away from him and the chance vanished.

At the other end Asamoah did well running onto a one two passing move before looking like he would find the back of the net however Wheatley stood tall showing a strong hand to push the ball out wide for a corner.

It was Asamoah who was almost in again but solid defending from centre back Joe Elliott this time denied the striker from getting in a shot.

Redbridge then came forward as substitute Reuben Campbell beat a defender before shooting just wide with the keeper seemed to be beaten. Then from seemingly nowhere Redbridge went back in front, a ball was played into a crowded penalty box and Thompson was on hand to fire home from close range with just 10 minutes remaining.

The home side were looking forward to breaking their recent FA Cup hoodoo of just 1 win in the past 11 years but failed to hold onto the lead when from a corner Asamoah who had caused problems all afternoon stole in front of his marker to head his side level.

After eight minutes of added time the final whistle was finally blown, with replays at this stage of the competition now returning both sides will have to do it all again on Tuesday night.

report by Adam Silver