Tuesday 3rd November 2009, The Arena, Kick-Off 7:45pm, Essex Senior Cup supported by BBC Essex Round Three.
A battling Redbridge side from the Ryman League Division One North twice came from behind to win a seven-goal thriller against their Essex Senior League counterparts Southend Manor in the Third Round of the Senior Cup supported by BBC Essex at Southchurch Park.
The Motormen found it difficult throughout, yet the favourites prevailed thanks to an inspirational performance from striker Alex Read. He hit a quick-fire double and created two more though the result was cruel on Manor, who dominated throughout. They had the ball in the Redbridge net as early as the 5th minute, however Andrew Merry was adjudged to have impeded the goalkeeper, David McCartney, as he headed home.
Chris Baddeley and Ross Webster then failed to test McCartney as Manor applied constant pressure to the away team’s goal. Their resistance was breached in the 17th minute, courtesy of the lively Daniel Coulson. The striker’s initial effort was superbly blocked by McCartney after he turned the Redbridge rearguard inside-out, yet he was quickest to react to tap into an empty net.
A buoyant Manor continued to assert themselves on Redbridge and, after having a Coulson effort ruled out for offside, their second arrived in the 23rd minute following a flowing move. Wilf Msiska, Webster and Coulson combined to set Baddeley in the clear. The winger’s attempt was partially blocked by McCartney but the ball crept over the line despite the attempts of Sonny Adams. Redbridge then asserted themselves as an attacking force as Read was desperately unlucky when he was denied by the width of the post, and Andy Edmunds saw his attempt beaten away by Manor custodian Adam Seal.
The visitors were soon handed a way back into the tie five minutes before the interval. It was Read who showed quick feet and his jinking run was only ended once Coulson fouled the forward in the area. Mark Nougher calmly dispatched the penalty, sending Seal the wrong way. A rejuvenated Redbridge then levelled proceedings three minutes later. Read once again scampered away and his drilled cross was slammed home by Matthew Gillingham at the back post.
The second half began in similar fashion to the first. The hosts restored their advantage in the 52nd minute when Coulson rose the highest to power his header past McCartney from a corner. Redbridge then had McCartney to thank for a stunning save, tipping over Daniel Stanley’s 25-yard effort. Yet the game hinged on a horror miss from Manor substitute Joe Gardner. Manor’s youngster nipped the ball away from McCartney and, after rounding the defender, he inexplicably guided it past an unguarded net.
Minutes later, the scores were level. The nippy Gillingham weaved his way to the by-line, before cutting back to Read who swept his effort in from an acute angle on 72 minutes. The emphasis and dynamics had changed and a shell-shocked Manor conceded just three minutes later. Read initiated a little space for himself 18 yards from goal and curled a delightful effort past a helpless Seal for the winner.
Southend Manor: Adam Seal, Chris Baker, Daryl Paskell, Andrew Merry, Ben Britnell, Jonathan Wheatstone, Daniel Stanley, Chris Baddeley, Daniel Coulson, Wilf Msiska (Joe Gardner, 60), Ross Webster (Jason Jay, 62). Unused Substitutes: Ryan Smith, Dave Manda, David Tubbs.
Redbridge: David McCartney, Sonny Adams (John Chipperfield, 60), Mo Habu, George Alder, Simon Peddie, Mark Nougher, Andy Edmunds, Lee Matson, Harry Oniha (Bradley Ross, 81), Alex Read (Charlie Georgiou, 85), Matthew Gillingham. Unused Substitutes: Tom Laxton, Ade Cole.
Bookings: Redbridge: Peddie (45, dissent).
Referee: Stuart Franklin.
Assistant Referee: James Masson and Kevin Pratt.
Man-of-the-Match: Alex Read (Redbridge): Read was the difference between the two sides. and a thorn in the Manor defence. He won the penalty and set-up Gillingham for the equaliser, plus scored with two classy finishes which ultimately won his team the match.