A solid display by our lads against newly promoted Conference opposition in a game keenly contested despite the heat. This was far from a friendly at times, with both teams obviously wanting to win and some very heavy challenges were thrown in especially just before half time.
The game started evenly with Gravesend taking the lead on 8 mins when Booth hit a stunning strike from outside the box that gave debutant Keeper Martini no chance. Bromley came straight back into things and started to put some nice play together using Drewett and Akuamoah on either wing and with Manuel bossing the midfield. The equaliser came on 24mins, when with the keeper out of position, a long drive by Drewett from outside the box was handled by a defender. Luckett smashed in the spot kick with minimum fuss.
The tackles then began to fly and with Bromley on the wrong end of a number of these they had several free kicks around the box, but failed to make any of them count. Martini looked a little shaky in goal, but made a couple of good saves going into the break.
The second half again was very entertaining with both sides having good chances without changing the scoreline. With 20 mins left Frost literally handed G&N a chance to take the lead again when hell fell in the box and caught the ball in his arms, but Stodhart blasted his penalty wide of the goal into the fencing! Kirk Watts was introduced to the game along with Dean Thomas and once again The Ravens took the initiative with some nice attacking play. On 80 mins it was a swift passing move in midfield that saw the ball come out to Harney who floated a lovely pass over Thomas’ shoulder who took the ball in his stride and smashed a great goal into the corner of the net for 2-1. That goal looked like it would win the game, but Gravesend came back again and on 90 mins Amoko headed in from close range to equalize after a spell of pressure around the box. Still there was one more twist to the game, Bromley charged forward looking for the win and their adventure was rewarded when Kirk Watts swerved his way into the area and squared the ball for Akuamoah to roll the ball into the net past the wrong footed Keeper.
This display gave heart to all present and made me wish that season started next week!
Quote for the game, ‘Enjoy your one season in the Conference!’
Line Up: Moussadek-Martini, Lester, Luckett, Manuel, Harris, Bartley, Drewett, Akuamoah, Smith, Myatt, Thompson.
Subs: Frost, K Watts, G Watts, Shemmell, Morgan, Thomas, Harney.