BROMLEY 3 LEWES 2 – LEAGUE 04/03/03

A massive win for the Ravens on a wet and windy night at the Nest in a game where Lewes had the greater possession and looked the better side, but we took our chances and defended well in the second half.

The Rooks made 11 changes to their squad and were on the back of a poor run, whereas we were still buzzing after Saturday and hoping to mount a real challenge for promotion. After an even start to the game Lewes put real pressure on us, but we held out and on 30 mins went in front with a big slice of luck. Martini pumped a very long ball from 60 yards out into the box and Harris flicked it on only for ex-Dulwich man Tony Chin to turn the ball into his own net. Under continued pressure the lead only lasted 10 mins when Chuck spilled a dipping cross and Reid pounced on the loose ball to equalise from close range. Before the break another low cross from the right slipped under Martini and despite Smith’s best efforts to clear the ball the Linesman signalled a goal and The Ravens went in 1-2 down! Just how much an early collision with a forward affected Martini was unclear, but we were playing far too deep and inviting Lewes onto us, which left Falana and Ball too isolated up front.

The second half started the same, Geroge had to go off injured for Ryan Hackett to make his return to Bromley colours on the right. On the hour mark the game turned on two very controversial moments. Firstly a corner was awarded to Bromley despite the ball coming off Falana and then when it was delivered Wade turned the ball into the net with his arm! The Ref gave the goal and the Lewes players went mad, Manager Quinn was sent off and the protests carried on for some time. Adolph Amoako came on for the hard working Ball and provided a pacey outlet for the over worked Bromley back line. Adolph went on to provide the winning touch to the game when he picked the ball up in midfield and ran past the Rooks defenders before blasting in a dipping effort from 20 yards and put Bromley up 3-2. McKoy made some great passes in midfield and Vines and Harris stood firm at the back. Grant Watts came on for the out-of-touch Hackett to hold the ball up in the last few minutes. Amoako had a nasty collision with keeper Tanner and had to limp around until the end, but our luck held out for the final whistle and another winning celebration with the players.

Team: Martini, Smith, Luckett, Vines, McKoy, Harris, Drewett, George, Ball, Falana, K Watts.

Subs: Harwood, G Watts, Amoako, Hackett, Butler.