BROMLEY 3 DARTFORD 2 – Kent Senior Cup First Round 07/10/03

A much changed Bromley team, playing three up front, made their way just past the Darts and into the next round of the Kent Cup in front of less than half the people who showed up for the last time these sides met ten days ago.

The Ravens took the lead on 6 mins when Reid cut in from the left and drilled his shot under ex-Bromley Keeper Rob O’Hara. Bromley had the better of the game, but on 8 mins Dartford drew level when Andy Hunt fumbled a corner and Ansell pounced to equalize. Still the Ravens were unflustered and carried on playing some nice football and creating good chances. On 30 mins a cross from the right was nodded down by Reid and Huggins was on hand to crash in the second from close range. Bromley went in at half time 2-1 up, but looking like they needed at least one or two more to win it.

The second half was a more even affair and Dartford got a break on 62 mins when they were awarded a very soft penalty by Mr Crouch for a trip in the box. Nicholls stepped up, but Hunt was equal to the task and saved the kick well to his left. Only 4 mins later Nicholls made up for his mistake when he smashed home an equaliser after Bromley had failed to clear the ball. Parity didn’t last long though - a fine run by Danny Smith down the right left Darts defender standing and Smith’s fierce cross was headed into his own net by Steve Robinson. No striker in the country could have finished it better, headed down and into the corner of the net! From that point Bromley were not really troubled and sub Bobby George went close twice following great runs from deep. It finished 3-2 and it was just about fair.

Quote for the game: ‘Dartford only had three fans behind the goal in the first half!’

Team: Hunt, Potterill, Willy, Butler, Luckett, Forbes, Drewett, Smith, Reid, Amoako, Huggins.

Subs: Harwood, McKoy, Harney, George, Smith Jnr.