Bromley 2 Kingstonian 1

After nine defeats from the last ten league games and surviving relegation with two matches to spare thanks to other teams being even more inept it wasn’t looking like a great end to the season, but we had one chance to lift the spirits before the summer and thankfully we took it.

Going into the London Senior Cup Final against Kingstonian neither side were in good form, K’s Ryman Premier season had finished with them in mid-table, but on a poor run equal to ours, so confidence wasn’t high in either camp. Once again though Mark Goldberg found the magic formula when it comes to cup games and put out a side motivated and determined to win. There had been conciliatory words between manager and fans at the Player of the Season awards and also in the local press. With the players also on message there was a sense of unity again about the club for the big game.  

We took the lead inside the first minute thanks to Elliott Buchanan’s low strike from 20yards and added to the lead on 38minutes when Aaron Rhule converted Louie Theophanous’ cross to lead 2-0 at the half. Despite losing both starting centre backs, Moses Swaibu to injury and Helge Orome to a 58^th minute red card, The Ravens adapted and overcame. Danny Waldren & Jack Holland fitted into the back line and despite K’s dominating play in the final 20minutes a combination of determined defending and great goalkeeping from George Howard, Bromley held out until the final kick of the game when Okai bundled the ball home dead on the whistle.

It was a great night and the unity was exemplified by having Helge stand among the fans after his sending off.

What the future holds for Bromley FC is very uncertain, Mark Goldberg had said he will consider his future over the close season and without extra investment into the club it will struggle to stay in Conference South, even more so if he withdraws his. Most of the players who gave their all on Tuesday night will be on their way, but whatever comes they gave us a night to be proud of and we have the London Senior Cup at Hayes Lane for the first time in ten years.                

Have a great summer…