Full time: Chelmsford City (3) 1-1 (4) Redbridge
A quick-fire double in the game, couple with a duo of penalties sent this game to be decided from 12 yards. The Isthmian League North side ran out winners, after 5 penalties each.
There was a quick start at the Melbourne Stadium, where the Clarets looked to get in behind early on. Redbridge were able to get on the ball, winning an early corner which was then headed wide.
However, 2 quick fire goals soon came. Oguwomoju was the man to hit the back of the net as he was fed through by Nandi, before beating Henry Gray at his near post. The step 7 side raced into the lead, before a quick turnaround.
From kick off, the Clarets came forward. Carruthers worked his way through, seeing him feed Callum Jones in. With Coker at the back post, Jones aimed towards the backpost, seeing the ball end in the back of the net, an instant turnaround. Callum Jones entered double figures, netting goal number 10 for the season.
The Clarets were almost the architects of their own downfall, as a loose backpass was swiftly cleared by Henry Gray, with Jack Barlow hunting him down.
A first booking came midway through the half, as Mayo Agbolade was yellow carded, seeing Redbridge have an opportunity to cross. They did exactly that, but Henry Gray was the first to the ball and claimed well.
The Clarets wore Redbridge down, eroding them down winning set pieces. Samir Carruthers put in an excellent delivery from a corner, where Kenny Coker nodded down, straight to Callum Jones. Jones could not get his second of the game, as he turned his effort over the bar.
Half time came, with Chelmsford slightly more on top, as they looked to take the lead for the first time in the game, following conceding early on.
Before the action resumed, as double substitution came as Henry Ochieng and Mo Bettamer were introduced. Going off was Alfie Gilbey, who had taken a slight knock in the first half, as well as Mayo Agbolade.
Redbridge started the second 45 on the front foot, as they were invited forward. Oguwomoju looked to cause the danger, as he tiptoed through the Clarets defenders, before firing his effort high and wide.
Robbie’s men were slightly let off the hook and went forward themselves. It was excellently worked down the right, with Callum Jones drifting out to put in a great delivery. Ody Alfa headed the ball, seeing it crash off the bar and bounce away.
However, Ody Alfa then turned up the heat and started to pull the strings. Joesph Elliot was beaten once, then beaten twice as Alfa raced into the box. Elliot bundled him to the flor, leaving the referee no choice. Penalty.
Callum Jones, who had netted early in the game, was holding the ball. He was looking for his brace and a 11th goal of the season. Having already scored twice from 2 yards this season, he made no mistake this time. A calmy executed penalty nestled in the bottom corner, as Chelmsford took the lead.
Redbridge kept the pressure on the home side, as they went in search of that equaliser. Substitute Ayo Odukoya was causing plenty of danger, having come on seemingly to utilise his height.
A chance to kill the game off came for Carruthers late on. Ody Alfa put through a seemingly perfect ball, as Samir looked to have been presented with a great opportunity. Jack Chawner had other ideas, putting in an excellently executed tackle to deny the chance.
Ultimately, Chelmsford should have put the game to bed. With 5 minutes added on, there was drama in what was the 6th minute added on.
Redbridge had thrown everyone forward, including goalkeeper Connor Wheatley. He was causing problems and won a penalty. A corner was sent in, with Wheatley being thrown to the floor, and referee Nathan Oakes pointing to the spot.
All the pressure was on Odukoya, who stepped up to slot home and send the tie to penalty kicks.
Ronnie Winn stepped up first and scored: CCFC 0-1 RFC
Ody Alfa stepped up next and scored: CCFC 1-1 RFC
Jack Chawner stepped up and scored: CCFC 1-2 RFC
Callum Jones stepped up and saw his effort drag wide: CCFC 1-2 RFC
Louie Johnson gave Redbridge the advantage: CCFC 1-3 RFC
Mo Bettamer smashed his effort home: CCFC 2-3 RFC
Ayo Odukoya sees his effort saved by Henry Gray: CCFC 2-3 RFC
Samir Carruthers levels things up: CCFC 3-3 RFC
Joseph Elliot gives Redbridge the lead: CCFC 3-4 RFC
Jazzi Barnum-Bobb sees his effort saved: CCFC 3-4 RFC
A miss and a save for Jones and Barnum-Bobb allowed Redbridge to progress, despite a great penalty save from Chelmsford debutant Henry Gray. The Clarets will return to league action swiftly, as the travel to St Albans on Saturday. On the other hand, Redbridge will host Witham Town, on matchday 17 for The Motormen.
Chelmsford City XI: Gray (GK), Davison (Jenkins 82’), Ebouzeme, Carruthers, Gilbey (Bettamer 45’), Jones, Barnum-Bobb (C), Alfa, Agbolade (Ochieng 45’), Nicolaou, Coker (Wilkes 90+3)
Goals: Jones 15, 65’ (PEN)
Assists: Carruthers 15’, Alfa 65’
Unused substitutes: Ward
Yellow cards: Agbolade 26’, Marsden 68’
Redbridge: Wheatley (GK), Bennett, Yeboah, Clark, Day (Winn 58’), Johnson, Chawner, Nandi (Odukoya 70’), Oguwomoju (Gregory 82’), Elliot, Barlow (C)
Goals: Oguwomoju 14’, Odukoya 90+7’ (PEN)
Assists: Nandi 14’, Wheatley 90+7’
Unused substitutes: N/A
Yellow cards: Day 33’
Attendance: 200
Report by Josh Lowe
Cover image by Roger Robinson Photography
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