WALTON & HERSHAM 2 BROMLEY 1 – LEAGUE 25/03/03

This was pretty much typical of the whole season. Bromley dominated the possession of the ball and had most of the play, but failed to produce any end product until it was too late.

The journey to the game was equally frustrating, first off we had to deal with racist Chelsea fans from Westgate on the train to London and then two lots of faulty trains, before the five hardy HLU’s finally got to the ground. Before the game there was plenty of rumours flying around about the next Bromley manager and changes off the pitch too, but once the game started we got behind the team the best we could.

The Ravens had most of the play for the first 20 mins, but yet again they were caught out at the back trying to play offside and eventually Cory scrambled the ball home for 1-0. Chuck looking like he was still struggling with his ankle injury had to pass the goal kicking duties on to the dreadful Manuel. The ex-pro contributed nothing to the side and was rudely exposed on several occasions, including one time when he misjudged a bounce and unsuccessfully tried to palm the ball away! It was 1-0 at the break, and anyone’s for the taking.

The second half was much the same, Bromley had maybe 75% of the ball and the play, but failed to make any real penetration in the box. Manuel missed the best chance, when he did an air shot in front of an open goal. On 64 mins Chuck was caught out by a long ball and although it looked like the ball would run to safety he pulled back Walton’s striker and gave away a penalty. Cory just beat him with the spot kick and it was 2-0. Bromley rallied and on 73 mins George headed home a great deep cross from Kirk Watts. Pearce came on and went close a couple of times, but there was to be no equaliser and the Raven slide into mid-table obscurity continued.

Vines had a good game at the back, Kirk & Drewett did well out wide and George was lively up front, but something is missing.

Quote for the game: ‘End this hellish torment now!’

Team: Martini, Smith, Harney, Vines, Manuel, Luckett, Drewett, Myatt, George, G Watts, K Watts.

Subs: Harwood, Pearce, McKoy, Wilfort, Amaning.