WWW.BROMLEYFC.COM - MATCH REPORT
BROMLEY 2 NEWPORT IoW 2 – LEAGUE 25/09/04
I guess if you are 2-0 down after 5 mins a point is a good result, but this was typical of Bromley that they should follow up a win over Fisher with a frustrating draw at home to the struggling Islanders.
The game started with debutant Seldon playing the ball to Arkwright who lost the ball to Greening who smashed in the opening goal on 2 mins. Only 3 mins later it was 2-0 to our visitors from across the sea when a Barsdell free kick was deflected past Walker. The small band of vocal away fans were the only ones making any noise in an otherwise stunned Hayes Lane. The 4-3-3 formation left Bromley lacking in midfield and with so many players out injured the back four was shambolic. Taiwo and Suleymanoglu were both denied by keeper McCormack, who was a good laugh all game and great entertainment. On 19 mins a Suleymanoglu cross was handled by Fletcher and ref Mr Jerden pointed to the spot. Taiwo’s spot kick was brilliantly tipped on to the bar by McCormack, but the rebound was hammered home by the alert Huggins. The game was scrappy and frantic, going from end to end. On 42 mins Newport broke quickly and Forbes was unable to even bring the pacey Barsdell down. Okafor on the other hand managed very well, scything him to the floor in the box. Fletcher had his penalty saved by Walker and then blasted the rebound into the car park when faced with an empty net! 1-2 at half time.
Bromley switched to 4-4-2 with Hill replacing Suleymanoglu. We looked a little stronger and finally drew the scores level on 52 mins. A free kick was knocked back by Arkwright, who was being marked by the smallest player on the pitch and Hill then sent the ball on to Watson who turned it in from close range. Still our defence looked wobbly and they played far too many dangerous back passes to Walker as a get out ball. Amoako came on for Seldon and Macca switched back to 4-3-3. We put Newport under a lot of pressure and got several free kicks and corners. Forbes headed just wide, Taiwo had a shot saved and Bennetts shot just wide too. McCormack made two awesome saves from Taiwo and Huggins with time running out in a frantic finish with the Islanders looking dangerous on the break. Henriques came on late for Forbes, but there were no more goals and it finished level.
Quote for the game: ‘The Ref’s not a cheat, he’s just crap!’ – Joe McCormack.
Team: Walker, Bennetts, Okafor, Forbes, Arkwright, Kember, Taiwo, Seldon, Suleymanoglu, Huggins, Watson.
Subs: Hill, Henriques, Murdoch, Amoako.