BROMLEY 3 ABINGDON TOWN 2 – FA CUP PRELIM RND 31/8/02

Out of jail in the last minute and we were very lucky! After only 48 seconds Bromley fell behind when a move down the right left Lester standing and Harris was out paced for the low cross converted by Kendra. With Bromley looking in shock they took a while to put things together and create chances.

Finally they did start to put Abingdon under pressure with the usual array of corners and free kicks going astray, but after 33 mins the plucky Div Two side doubled their lead when Potter struck a long range shot that deflected fiercely off Harris and the static Martini watched it go in. At that point it really did look all done and at half time we thought we were on our way out.

The Ravens came out in the second half playing a 3-5-2 formation and to many peoples surprise it actually worked! Debutant centre back Joe Vines came in for Ellis and had a great 45 mins. 3 mins into the half Drewett gave us hope when he cut in from the right and placed his shot into the corner. Slowly Bromley began to build momentum and dominate the game with Abingdon occasionally still looking dangerous on the break. It wasn’t until 70 mins that we finally drew level. The brilliant Amoako turned in the box and rounded the keeper and defender before checking the ball back to Bartley who skilfully curved his shot past the defenders on the line into the corner of the net. With Joshua in the visitors goal pulling off a string of great saves it looked like a replay was going to be required. That was until 90 mins when Drewett once again cut in from the right, and floated his shot over the unlucky keeper to give Bromley their place in the next round of the FA Cup. The roar at the end was more of relief than celebration. Abingdon take all the props from this one and can consider themselves unfortunate to at least not get another chance. They worked hard and showed real courage without ever being dirty or cynical.

Quote for the game, ‘He’s saved us a 200 mile round trip!’

Martini, Lester, Luckett, Harris, Saunders, Myatt, Drewett, Ellis, Bartley, Amoako, K Watts.

Subs: Harwood, Vines, Thompson, G Watts, Wilfort.