Redbridge hosted Southern League side Erith & Belvedere in the 1st round of the London Senior Cup, it was to be the first meeting between the two sides since the 2013/14 Ryman North season

The home side had several changes from the weekend with some ex-players having resigned for the club in Abs Thompson, Joey May and Olamiji Ayoola whilst newly signed Lewis Risk debuted as left back

A perfect start for the home side saw them go in front within four minutes, Simon Bamidele broke free down the right wing before firing a cross into the middle finding James Barlow who made no mistake and fired home.

The home side then had to be alert at the other end as good defending blocked two opportunities for the Deeres.

The away side then started to have a decent spell of possession as the rain started to hammer down making conditions tough for all, Brad Ryan firstly curled an effort over before Tunde Aderonnu saw his volley deflected wide for a corner.

The lively Ryan then cut inside from the left beating a defender being seeing his shot bounce on the wet turf into the welcome arms of George Martin.

Redbridge then came forward as Barlow turned provider crossing dangerously into the middle, the ball being turned behind. From the resulting corner Dean Hall got his head to it forcing Adam Molloy in goal to concede another corner.

On 29 minutes Erith and Belvedere drew level, a cross from the right stabbed home by George Purcell who got in front of a defender.

The remainder of the 1st half saw the away side dominate the lion share of possession, hesitant defending allowed Aderonnu to turn and shoot however Martin was equal to it.

Rory Ward then forced a save from Martin who diving to his left palmed the ball away for a corner which proved to be the final action of the first half.

The second period began just as the first did as Redbridge scored a second goal, a ball through found the fun of Thompson who slipped the ball past Molloy who could only bring the player down leaving the referee no option but to award a penalty.

Thompson dusted himself off to step up and smash the ball home sending Molloy the wrong way.

With the home side now back in front they started to look more assured with the ball, Samraj Gill gave a nice give and go before connecting well seeing Molly get down well to make the save.

It was however the away side who struck next, Purcell yet again on the score sheet as this time found himself in space with time to poke the ball past Martin to draw his side level for the second time.

It was now anyone's game to win, Redbridge almost got the next goal when a long ball over the top found the run of Daniel Okah who got to the ball first before Molloy but his effort was hacked to safety although in honesty it appeared to be heading wide of the post.

The next goal soon arrived and this time went to the away side, Palmer firing home at the second time of asking after his initial effort was saved to put his side ahead for the first time on the night.

Just three minutes later and the visitors took control, a long distant shot from Ben Wilson stunned everyone including Martin who could only watch the ball sail past him from near 40 yards

With Redbridge now chasing the game Erith & Belvedere held firm to deny Redbridge any clear cut opportunities and managed to put the cherry on the cake when deep into added time Purcell got on the end of a cross from Tyrell Richarson-Brown to grab his hattrick and his side's 5th of the evening.

report by Adam Silver