Wealdstone completed the double over The Ravens at The Nest and were certainly given some assistance by the match officials in doing so. After an even start Stones took the lead on 18mins when Moore headed in a cross from the right. 3mins later while Bromley were organising a free kick Watts was sent off for an alleged ‘head but’ on Perry. The Ref had seen this incident, but had not seen the pushing and kicking of Watts that led up to his retaliation. Bromley struggle to re-organise for most of the half, but still created a few good chances, with Wealdstone keeper Carter making two good saves from Hughes and Bartley. Just before half time was due Chamberlain fired in from close range to put the visitors 0-2 up, after Bromley had failed to clear their lines. The Ref added on 11mins injury time to what had been an incident packed first half and during this Harris curled in a wonderful free kick up and round the wall into the corner of the net. Even deeper into the stoppages The Ravens were denied a clear penalty when a Wealdstone defender blocked a goal bound shot with his arm, which was raised and away from his body. Strangely Ref & Linesman failed to see this. The game continued at a pace into the second half with the 10 men still looking good going forward and Bartley, playing with an ankle injury, worked tirelessly up front on his own.
Despite having lots of attacking possession Bromley failed to really test Carter and it was Harwood at the other end who was called upon to make 3 good saves. We still seemed a little too lightweight in midfield even with 4 or 5 in there. During the second half a Wealdstone fan let off a series of fireworks dangerously close to the pitch, nothing was done. I wonder what the Bromley officials would have done if we’d done that!?! In the end Stones held on for the win and we were left to curse our luck.
Quote for the game, ‘Can we go bowling now?’