Redbridge are through to the 2nd round of the Ryman League Cup after a 2-1 win away at Aveley, our goals from McKenzie and Wallace

Redbridge picked up their third win on the spin with a 2-1 success over Aveley to make it through to the second round of the Ryman League Cup. Both sides decided to rest players, with Aveley in particular weaker than normal due to an FA Cup tie at Willand Rovers on Saturday. But Dave Ross and Ricky Eaton’s Redbridge side got off to the best possible start when inside two minutes they found themselves in front.

The hosts conceded possession down the left and Lee Newton’s ball in found the unmarked Chinedu McKenzie and the former Miller slotted past James Marrable.

Aveley had very little of the play in the first half, but Motormen goalkeeper Jack Avery came out to deny Aaron Gayle a shot at goal. Justin Gardner’s hosts were well below par as Newton forced an opening on goal only to see his shot blocked by Aziz Kanu.

And the visitors established a two-goal cushion in spectacular fashion as Shane Wallace volleyed home from 20 yards. From the moment it left his foot there was no doubt that it would end up in the net and the Motormen thoroughly deserved their lead

Aveley were restricted to efforts from distance as Perry Tamburini tried his luck, only to find the roof of the net.
Wallace caused the Millers defence problems all evening long and a turn and shot inside the area went just over the bar.

Redbridge were good value for their lead at the break, but the hosts responded and put in a much better showing as Aaron Gayle found a way past Avery on 51 minutes to give the Millers hope. Coyne saw a free-kick deflected behind for a corner, and everyone missed his resultant set piece which struck the far post

Up the other end Redbridge could have sealed the win 11 minutes from time when Vinny Murphy’s pinpoint free-kick was tipped behind by Millers goalkeeper James Marrable.

Five minutes stoppage time was awarded to give the hosts a chance of forcing penalties and they went close to doing so when skipper Billy Holland worked an opening in the box, but Avery was there to push the effort behind for a corner.

But that proved to be the last action and unfortunately for the Motormen they will not be able to build on that though as they are without a fixture on Saturday with Needham Market still in the FA Cup. And they may not even play next Tuesday when they are due to host Aveley in a quick rematch in the league, but if the Millers are forced to a replay, the wait will be even longer for Redbridge.

Report courtesy of Colin Munford/Ilford Recorder