WWW.BROMLEYFC.COM - MATCH REPORT
FISHER ATHLETIC 2 BROMLEY 2 – FA CUP 1ST QUAL RD. 18/09/04
Only the disgraceful display by referee Mr Hopkins denied Bromley a place in the next round of the cup, with the Ravens matching their big money counterparts in every department on the pitch and showing real character.
After a lively start Bromley took the lead on 8 mins when Drewett’s corner was blocked and he returned the rebound past John in the Fisher goal before he could even move. Referee Hopkins gave every marginal decision to Fisher during the whole game and couldn’t wait to book Paul Kember when a free kick was driven straight into him as he tried to retreat. The Fish equalised on 25 mins when a free kick from the right was knocked back into the box and the excellent Watts was on hand to head home. Watson had a headed goal disallowed for offside soon after and the flag happy linesman frustrated Bromley several more times before the break.
The second half started with Walker making a superb save from Samuel, but Bromley rallied and pushed on, Rose making his debut when replacing Suleymanoglu who had played well behind the strikers. Fisher old boy Huggins was played in on 55 mins and he held off two defenders to beat John from 10 yards and put us back in front. Sadly our lead only lasted 9 mins and it was Watts again was on hand to tap in a low cross after Bromley failed to clear their lines from a set piece. Watson received a head injury and was off the field for a long time. When he finally returned Potterill had to go off injured. Bennetts deputised at right back and did well with Hill coming on into midfield and the brilliant Kember ran himself into the ground before Taiwo came on for him. The ref missed a terrible foul on Drewett in the midfield, before shortly after Watson was denied by John. Fisher put us under pressure and Walker had to react quickly to stop Bennetts scoring an own goal and Hill made a game saving tackle on Samuel who looked set to score following a great run. Drewett was fouled on the edge of the box late on and Taiwo was denied a goal by a fine athletic save from John. With only seconds left Huggins broke free and was clearly brought down in the box by two Fisher defenders as he shaped to shoot past John, but Mr Hopkins who was right on top of the action waved the appeals away and couldn’t wait to blow the final whistle for a replay on Tuesday night.
Quote for the game: 'How's the new car ref!' - Col.
Team: Walker, Potterill, Okafor, P Kember, Ikpa, Arkwright, Drewett, Suleymanoglu, Huggins, Watson, Bennetts.
Subs: Rose, Taiwo, Hill, Amoako, Henriques.