ILFORD 1 BROMLEY 2 – LONDON SENIOR CUP 3RD ROUND 23/12/02

A great second half display saw us get the better of a well organised and strong Essex Senior League side on this wet Monday night.

We went one down on 24 seconds, when Manuel lost possession and Stevens rounded Harwood to roll the ball into an empty net! It took a while for Bromley to get to grips with things and they rarely threatened to open up Ilford apart from one or two corners. The only real talking points were referee Bakare’s obsession in booking people for dissent and Luckett picking up a nasty looking injury.

The second half saw the introduction of Amoako and the Ravens went on to do nearly all the attacking with Ilford only getting the occasional breakaway. Harwood made one fine save when called upon, but Daley in the home goal was very busy. The equaliser came on 53 mins when a great Myatt corner was headed home by Vines from close range. The rain fell heavily, but the HLU’s sheltered under the cover of the trees on the far side of this Athletics Stadium and raised the tempo with some festive songs. The winner finally came on 79 mins when the strong presence of Falana powered home a header from a Harney free kick and ran to us punching the badge on his chest! A great cheer greeted the final whistle and which set up a trip to Hanwell.

Quote of the game, ‘He could have saved us £300 per week!’

Team: Harwood, Smith, Luckett, Manuel, Vines, Harris, Wilfort, Myatt, G Watts, Falana, Harney.

Subs: Amoako, Amaning, Cook, Butler, Buckeridge.