Motormen looking to beat Heybridge Swifts again and reach final of Essex Senior Cup

Dave Ross admits Redbridge have enjoyed a rare good week, but insists the job is only half done ahead of their Essex Senior Cup semi-final this evening.

The Motormen defeated Heybridge Swifts 1-0 at Oakside in the Ryman North on Saturday with Charlie Portway scoring the only goal of the game.

While they remain 11 points from safety, it means they are two matches unbeaten after beating Tilbury on penalties in the quarter-finals of the Essex Senior Cup last week.

Now they face Swifts again tonight (Tuesday) at Scraley Road to decide who makes the final at Dagenham & Redbridge’s Victoria Road on April 12.

Concord Rangers are waiting and even though Redbridge know they face another tough test, they are hoping to beat Heybridge for a second time in quick succession.

Ross said: “We didn’t celebrate after the win because the job is only half done and there isn’t anything worth celebrating yet.

“We need to try and do the same again, they will be even stronger this time and have home advantage. Obviously we are looking forward to it, we will look to get a result and reach the final.

“It would be a massive boost to either club if we get there, facing Concord Rangers at Dagenham & Redbridge’s stadium. It would be tremendous.”

The Motormen joint-manager admitted he was thrilled to see his side deliver a first Ryman North success since January 30 on Saturday.

Numerous times this season they have impressed in the cup competitions, but not taken that form into the league.

But at the weekend they backed up the performance they delivered against Tilbury, by getting a crucial result against Heybridge.

“It was a massive three points. If we had lost it would have been virtually impossible to stay up. It will still be difficult but we needed the win and deserved it too,” added Ross.

“I’ve said so many times this season that we’ve got a great result in the cup and I think we will kick on and then we have a nightmare.

“This time we put in a great performance on Tuesday and backed it up on Saturday so it is unusual for us to say, but we’ve had a good week.”