Keep on Rocking!

After an impressive 3-0 win over Staines we then won two more league games both 3-2 and both coming back from 1-0 down. An experiment in changing formation caused us a few problems at Concord Rangers, but after trailing MG identified the error and in the second half with the old shape restored we were too hot to handle for the newly promoted Essex Seasiders. Then came Basingstoke at home and another impressive attacking display with Bradley Goldberg in spectacular form and Shamir Mullings making the most of an injury to Jay May and putting in a shift as the target man. The latest fine run leaves us in second place and already on 21points which is a great foundation to have ahead of the cup campaigns that tend to dominate the Autumn.

Next up Burgess Hill Town of Ryman League Division One South visit Hayes Lane in the FA Cup 2^nd Qualifying Round on Saturday before we ‘travel’ to tenants Cray Wanderers next Tuesday in the Kent Senior Cup. If we can avoid complacency against Burgess Hill and play to our potential then we should seize the opportunity to bring in the extra money available from the FA for a cup run to keep things going and also give a few fringe players some game time against Cray who are having a very tough season so far.

The vibe at Hayes Lane is very positive right now and a credit to all involved at the club.

Long may it continue…          

Big Test on Saturday

After defeat at Eastleigh saw us slip from the top of the table we now host Staines Town at Hayes Lane on Saturday in what will be another marker as to how much we have improved this season. Having drawn our last three meetings at home to The Swans, Marcus Gayle’s side are bound to be a tough prospect again, with former Bromley striker Louie Theophanous now back at the club we signed him from for a hefty fee last winter.     

On Saturday we took a bit of a battering in the first half from a very decent Eastleigh side before rallying and almost claiming a point in the second half. If we can take the positivity from the later half of the game into Saturday then we have to stand half a chance of finally claiming a home win over Ali G’s hometown. So far we have managed to win games this season that we wouldn’t have done last term, so let’s hope that trend continues.  

Then on Tuesday we travel to the Essex coast to play newly promoted Concord Rangers, a first for most Bromley fans. 

In the week MG brought in former Newport and Bristol Rovers winger Ben Swallow to add options to the squad. With Mike Jones loaned out to Canvey Island, Mark has already hinted he may be sending more fringe players out on dual registration to keep match fit.   

August ends with Bromley top!

August comes to an end with Bromley nicely placed top of the table winning four out of their opening five games and letting in just three goals. After the Bank Holiday defeat at Bishop Stortford, The Ravens fought back with a win at home to newly promoted Gosport Borough, although they certainly made hard work of it.

After the euphoria of crushing Tonbridge 5-1, we came up against Stortford who were a typical Rob Stringer side. Big, direct, hard working and organised. In the end we had no answer to break down the machine and were a little fortunate to keep it down to 1-0, not only did Lewis Carey save a penalty, but they hit the underside of the bar and Rob Swaine cleared one off the line. Although we did have a good 20minute spell just before half time, including a goal ruled out for offside.           

Saturday saw us start really well and at 2-0 we looked comfortable winners, but some complacency and a late penalty saw us running the ball into the corner and desperately running the clock down at the end.The two goals we did score though were testament to the powerful additions to the squad MG made in the summer with Rob Swaine, Ashley Nicholls and Steve Smith all involved. Mark chose to ring teh changes in midfield after the first defeat and Nicholls and Waldren earned their call ups with big performances.    

The next game sees us travel to one of the promotion favourites Eastleigh if we come back from Hampshire with even a point it will be a great result and keep us up there.

The more cynical Bromley fans have said that we haven’t played a good side yet, but we’ve won games that we would have lost last season and already got a quarter f the points tally needed for league safety. the team looks united and motivated so there are plenty of reasons to be happy at Hayes Lane right now.