WWW.BROMLEYFC.COM - MATCH REPORT
CROYDON ATHLETIC 1 BROMLEY 0 – LEAGUE – 05/03/05
It was somehow fitting that Bromley’s season finally came to an end in the shadow of a crematorium as we were out battled and deservedly beaten by a good Athletic side.
The game started brightly with us putting Athletic under pressure and their keeper Frankland took a heavy knock going for a ball with Logan. With Bromley playing 3-5-2 Danny Carroll had to fill in at centre back as Henriques was unavailable and we missed his presence in midfield. After a series of set pieces that saw two shots from Amoako go just over, Luckett had to go off injured and was replaced by Okafor. The Rams defence held out well to some heavy pressure, for all the good Bromley approach play we didn’t test the ailing Keeper. On 36 mins with Athletic’s first shots on goal we yet again fell behind after dominating a game. This time debutant keeper Jamie Riley made two good saves before the second rebound was tucked away by Greenaway from close range as the Bromley defence stood and watched. For the final few minutes of the half the Rams then played the ball around nicely and looked very confident, although Logan did go close from a corner.
The second half started with Bromley putting the home side under pressure again. As McGowan ran into the box he was tripped by Gibson and the ref pointed straight to the spot. Our glorious opportunity to get back into things was wasted though as Amoako’s soft effort was palmed away by Frankland. This was out last attempt on target in the game! Riley had to make two very good saves and a number of timely interventions as Athletic opened us up far too easily. Harding was spared any more embarrassment as he was taken off for Drewett, but we still lacked Carroll’s driving force in the middle of the pitch. Stone came on for a deflated looking Amoako, but Bromley had run out of ideas long before the final whistle came and the nails were driven into the 2005 playoff coffin. Athletic could have made it 2-0 very late on after a great move down the left, but the final cross was headed over from close range.
Quote for the game: ‘It’s over’ – Jim.
Team: Riley, McLeod, Stradwick, Potterill, McGowan, Harding, George, Amoako, Logan, Luckett.
Subs: Stone, Okafor, Drewett, Labadie, Silk.