The young Reds’ second game of the season was their second cup match of the season as they entered the FA Youth Cup at Colliers Wood United off the back of last week’s penalty shootout victory at Horsham.

The trip to South West London got off to the worst possible start when the home side took the lead just three minutes in. But, in a frantic first ten minutes or so, the Reds were level as Frankie Spiteri battled hard to get in behind, before finishing nicely into the bottom corner after going one-on-one with the keeper.

The Rebels then began to hit their stride. Ollie Vodden forced a good save from the keeper 12 minutes in, before they got themselves in front through Eiri Keskinis just a few minutes later. The Reds knocked the ball around superbly and initially created a chance for Spiteri to double his tally, but he was denied by a fantastic save. As they recycled possession, Keskinis was given the ball in acres of space in the area, and he tucked it away into the bottom left corner.

There were further chances for both goalscorers to double their tally. First, Keskinis was denied by a good save on 37 minutes, before Spiteri actually had the ball in the back of the net five minutes later, it was ruled out, though, as Spiteri was adjudged to have fouled the defender while making his run to the ball. He was booked for the offence, too.

Against the run of play, the home side nearly got themselves back on level terms just before the break. A cross came in from the left to the far post, but the shot was blazed over the bar and the Reds held onto their lead going into the interval.

The Rebels continued to enjoy plenty of possession in the second half and controlled the contest without really letting the home side have a sniff. Keskinis threatened on the hour mark but he saw his shot saved quite brilliantly. The Reds turned to their subs bench and Jack Downie, Max Chester and Freddie Sarson were all introduced before their next big chance with some ten minutes to go. Vodden broke through on the right flank and had options in the area as he looked up in Spiteri and Keskinis. The low cross reached Keskinis at the far post, but he saw his shot cleared off the line by a recovering defender!

Caleb Tiangco made way for Reece Saks just before the Reds finally got their reward for their relentless second-half pressure. Downie nodded in from close range from a corner to secure the victory and with it, their place in the Second Qualifying Round. After the goal, Spiteri was replaced by Josh Edwards as the Reds made their final change.

All in all, it was a pleasing night for the Rebels who were dominant after their early setback. They will enter the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup in less than a fortnight’s time. Next up is their first home game of the season as they play host to Hastings United at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium on Tuesday night.