Redbridge 1-5 Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest secured their first FA Cup victory in four seasons with a comprehensive victory over local rivals Redbridge.

The game started pretty open in the August heat, with the home side having a couple of early chances from set-pieces.

But it was Forest who would take the game by the scruff of the neck. A Lee Flynn free kick was not fully dealt with by Mark Parker in the Redbridge goal, and when Rheo Joseph’s effort was blocked by former Stag Manny Sackey, Prince Madu was on had to turn the ball home for his second goal in two games.

From then on it was one-way traffic.

Correy Davidson crossed for Brian Moses, whose header was deflected in by Gareth Madden, much to the outrage of the Redbridge defence who felt Madden was considerably offside. Indeed, at first glance this looked the case, but a second look shows the Redbridge player on the far side could well have been playing him on.

After a drinks break Faisal Hemati rose highest to tower in Mustapha Denizer’s corner. Though again, Redbridge felt aggrieved, feeling a goal kick should have been awarded. Forest on the other hand, felt a foul was committed on Madu, and should have had a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Then came the move and the goal of the game. Brian Moses embodied Forest’s workrate and desire all afternoon by pressuring and harrying AJ Adelekan, winning the ball twice before passing to Ahmed Mohamed. Mohamed squared to Davidson who slipped in Madu, who crossed to Mohamed who was waiting to round-off the move at the back post.

Redbridge on the other hand were limited to long-range efforts and set pieces, none of which really troubled Harrison Sheeta in the Forest goal.

The second half was a far more turgid affair, lacking the intensity and speed of the first. Redbridge were on top for considerable amounts, and Forest began to look frustrated.

Vinny Murphy went close, hitting the inside of the post from a free kick, but Redbridge’s consolation came from the penalty spot, Lee Weemes smashing home after Madden was somewhat harshly adjudged to have brought him down.

But Madden redeemed himself and put the icing on the cake for Forest, turning in a loose ball after a corner with just a couple of minutes remaining.

Forest will now get the chance to avenge their FA Cup defeat two seasons ago, as they host Hoddesdon Town in the next round, 1-0 victors over Stansted.

Up next is a trip to Burnham Ramblers on Tuesday evening, who were hammered 9-0 by Ilford this weekend.

Match highlights

Match photos, by Shoaib Vali, Passing Piranhas

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