Redbridge started their defence of last season's Essex Senior Cup triumph as they hosted fellow Isthmian North side Brightlingsea Regent.

The two sides only recently met in the league in a game which ended 2-2 , in fact the 3 previous fixtures between these sides had all ended with a draw.

Newly signed Rio Campell came in for his debut whilst youngsters Ellis Lawson and Matas Machovas were on the bench in a changed line up from Saturday.

An early free kick from the home side from Ronnie Winn was whipped in , Kai Thomas Fraser connected but his effort dropped the wrong side of the upright.

James Love then fired in a shot which was too hot to hold for keeper George Marsh , the ball spilt back out and was eventually played out wide to Tendai Quamina who could only find the side netting.

It was a promising start to the game for the Motormen but they had to remain alert as at the other end Jayden Robinson powered a fierce drive which required Samuel Nwabuko to turn behind for a corner.

It was quickly taken as two Regent players combinded resulting in a culring effort from Fletcher Alexander-Hubbard which was heading for the top corner only for Nwabuko to pull of a good save.

Regent were now getting into their rhythm and were soon infront , the dangerous Alexander-Hubbard played a lovely ball finding the intelligent run of Marley Andrews who had time to take a touch into the box before firing into the far corner of the net.

Alexander-Hubbard yet again who seemed to be all over the pitch showed good pace to turn away his marker before shooting from range but Nwabuko was able to hold.

Redbridge did then come forward as a nice quick passing move ended up with Reuben Campbell trying his luck from range but Marsh was quickly down to gather.

A quick counter attack from the away side ended with a cross into the box finding Jake Clowsley who took a nice touch to beat his defender before shooting on goal but again Nwabuko was equal to it as the young keeper continued to impress.

Right on half time the Motormen broke forward with Rio Campbell but his pass to Abs Conten-Thompson in actres of space fell short and the move broke down.

Into the second period and fantastic skill by none other than Alexander Hubbard saw him easily beat his man before he ran and shot at goal but ended up being a comfortable stop for Mwabuko.

Fin Adams then tried his luck with a curling effort which was alwasy rising before a ball was played over the top into the penalty box which
the Redbridge keeper had to come for however in doing so he brough the player down and left the referee with no option but to award a penalty.

Jayden Robinson stepped up and emphatically blasted the ball home into the top corner out of Mwabuko's reach.

Regent were now well in control now and it was looking an uphill battle for the home side who looked to the bench for inspiration.

It was however almost a 3rd goal for Regent as a lovely ball over the top found the run of Clowsley who was one on one with Nwabuko who did well to stay on his feet and make the stop to deny a certain goal.

It was not long before the 3rd goal did arrive, a free-kick was whipped in and stabbed home via a defelction at the near post by Charlie Durling to complete a miserable evening for Redbridge who had been second best for the majority of the night.

A rare attempt this half for the home side saw Conten-Thompson shot saved down low at his near post by George Marsh before Ronnie Winn fired high and wide.

The only blemish on the night for the away side was a late red card shown to defender Walker Shabazz-Edwards who received his marching orders after being shown a second yellow card

The full time whistle ended the contest and unfortunately for Redbridge their will be no repeat of last season's Cup heroics whilst Brightlingsea Regent march on into the next round.

report by Adam Silver