Redhill v Virginia Water - FA Cup
Match Result
Redhill 2 - Virginia Water 1
Goal scorers for the Lobsters: Tommy Smith (17'), Tyrese Sutherland (75')
Saturday, 22nd August 2026
More match info on FWP
Match Report
Tyrese Sutherland, back in Redhill's attack this season, came off the bench in the second half of Saturday's Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round tie at Kiln Brow to score the goal that secured a 2-1 win against fellow Premier South side Virginia Water and a place in the next round of the world-famous competition.
After the euphoria of last Tuesday night's 4-0 thumping of Tooting & Mitcham in the league, the Lobsters made an indifferent start to the weekend's Cup fixture and found themselves a goal down after six minutes. The home defence backed off as the Waters quickly moved the ball around and 'keeper Sam Allen, who kept a clean sheet on his debut against Tooting, had no chance as Jamie Di Giuseppe's shot from outside the box sped past him.
But ten minutes later Redhill were level. George Bond curled a left-footed corner over from the right and defender Tommy Smith met it with a downward header at the far post that was too firm for the diving Matt James to keep it from crossing the line. Then Alex Keating and Tom Harland-Goddard had chances to give the Lobsters a first-half advantage, the latter punching a goalpost in frustration, but it was still 1-1 at the break.
After a Waters free-kick had thudded against the underside of the bar, Redhill snatched the all-important goal on 75 minutes that took them to within four more wins of their first appearance in the First Round Proper - when the League One and Two clubs enter - for nearly 70 years. Sutherland outpaced the left-back near the touchline and raced into the box before blasting an unstoppable left-footer past the exposed James.
Now all eyes will be on Monday's First Round Qualifying draw, with ties to be played over the weekend of Saturday, 5th September.
Report by David Barber
Match Gallery
Photography by Paul Heasman
