Angels and Ravens

Following an excellent last gasp win over Sutton on Saturday there was frustration midweek as the game as Basingstoke was called off just prior to kick off after torrential rain flooded the pitch at Camrose. A tough one to take for all the staff and fans who had made the long Tuesday night journey into Hampshire only to be turned back on arrival. 

Hasting keeper Josh Pelling had been signed on dual registration for this game to cover Seb Brown’s suspension, but we now head in to the FA trophy game at Tonbridge Angels this weekend with one time reserve custodian Paul Agu seemingly set to play for the first time this season. We’ve had a little more success in this competition in recent times after what had been a desperately poor record previously. Whether we give it a go this season will remain to be seen as promotion is the priority and games against The Angels are always very closely contested.     

This game is quickly followed by a home London Senior Cup game V Corinthian Casuals next Tuesday with the added incentive of a home game against AFC Wimbledon waiting in the next round.   

We sit second in the table going into December six points behind Boreham Wood with two games in hand, but also with Gosport and Ebbsfleet (who have just sacked Steve Brown) on our tail and another dozen or so teams close behind. If any team can find a decent run of form then the league is up for grabs heading towards the New Year. 

We have the squad, the support and the backing so hopefully we’ll be at least in the play offs spots as it heats up into 2015 and hopefully in one or both of the cup competitions after the next two games.         

Another Big Game on Saturday

After the incredible FA Cup match against Dartford where over 4,000 packed in Hayes Lane  to see us lose 4-3 and then the disappointment of a home defeat in the league to 1-0 Hemel after playing with no recognised keeper and ten men for over 45minutes we got things back on the right path with a solid 2-1 win at Hayes & Yeading Utd on Saturday. Moses Ademola & PJD both notched again showing their value to the team and confirming they must start every game, with their tireless effort and the magic touch in front of goal. 

Of all the summer acquisitions Moses has proved to be the most valuable, while others with bigger reputations and everything that goes with that have failed to contribute the 25year old winger/striker has rarely put a foot wrong. PJD once again looks to be heading for a 20+ goal season from midfield and it’s somewhat surprising that a bigger club hasn’t lured him away with such consistency in his quality of performance. Reece Prestedge another close season buy has proved his worth whenever started and it’s quite a selection problem for MG to have three central midfielders all playing so well with Danny Waldren and Ali Fuseini also on the top of their game right now. 

With recent striking recruit Duncan Culley already scoring twice on his loan spell at Hampton, the light of scrutiny is shining on Adam Burchall and Jamie Slabber who have both failed to find any form so far this season and look to be struggling to recapture the game they once had. There is a massive back catalogue of strikers with big reputations who have joined Bromley in the past and then failed to deliver, let’s hope for the club’s sake these guys, both on two years deals, can turn it round.

At the other end of the pitch Seb Brown now faces a one match ban for the FA Trophy game at the end of November after his red card V Hemel. After a poor second half against Dartford the ex-AFC Wimbledon custodian has had a tough week. The acid test will be of MG choses to play one game with Paul Agu in goal or bring in someone else on loan, which would put Brown under pressure for his place in the team.                                 

Next up we host old rivals Sutton United on Saturday, there is always an extra added something when we play the amber & chocolates and this one will be no different. Sutton recorded the double over us last season and were up in the play off spots, this campaign has been tougher for them so far, but I’m sure they will still be a tough prospect. With former United players Jamie Slabber and Damien Scannell set to be in the squad for The Ravens it could be an excellent time for one or both of these players to win the hearts of the Bromley fans with a goal and performance against their old employers.   

First Round Fever!

Saturday sees another big FA Cup game at Hayes Lane as we entertain local rivals Dartford in the First Round Proper. In recent years we have been spoiled with success in this competition reaching the First Round five times under Mark Goldberg’s management, having only got through once in 25 years previously.

We’ve got past three rounds and played four games on the journey to this game whilst The Darts have just had to play once, but despite our visitors being in a higher division there are technically only eight league places currently between us. With the added spice of a local derby and no love lost between the sides in recent encounters this should be a cracking game.

Ticket sales have gone well so far, with 350 sold by Thursday morning, prices have been sensibly kept to the usual structure and you will be able to get in on the day. I can see there being well over 3,000 packed into HL for this one, so fingers crossed Bromley won’t freeze as they have done in front of big crowds before. Every time we’ve had over 800 at home this season we have failed to perform, but the team looks stronger and more determined in recent weeks so let’s hope they can shake off the nerves and get a result, which would take us through to the Second Round for the first time since the 1940’s. This would be a much deserved reward for the unsung heros behind the scenes and the hardcore fans.                

If I was going to place a bet I’d go for a draw and a replay at Princes Park, which given our away form wouldn’t be a disaster.