Match 45/14/1154 - Tuesday, 2nd December 2014 - FA Trophy 3QRR
Bromley (1) 3 Sobers (o.g.) 5, Ademola (pen) 58, Slabber 68
Tonbridge (0) 0
Att. 408
Entrance: £6
Programme: None produced
Mileage: 80/3,172
Match Report
More often than not in cup competitions the minnow has one chance to slay the giant and if they don’t seize the day then the opportunity passes. From all accounts, Tonbridge played really well in the initial game of this FA Trophy tie and fully deserved their replay against Conference South pacemakers Bromley, but on a cold night at an everlasting hoodoo ground, the opportunity had, indeed, passed.
Whether it was the heavy rain prior to kick off, a lack of interest in the qualifying rounds of the competition or a Crystal Palace home game on the same evening that restricted the attendance it was disappointing to see Hayes Lane so poorly populated. Even more annoying was the lack of a programme, evidently due to production difficulties, but even given that excuse, it is pretty shabby of a club of Bromley’s size to be unable to produce one.
Any hopes that Tonbridge’s lamentable record at Hayes Lane, no victory since a Kent Senior Cup tie 20 years ago, would be ended was immediately pushed to the back of the mind when, after five minutes, Jerrome Sobers turned a cross from Louis Dennis into his own net.
It was a tough start for the visitors and for 20 minutes they found it difficult to contain their hosts. Several goal scoring attempts were wasteful, but on 25 minutes, Damian Scannell was denied by a fantastic block from Laurence Ball.
In a torrid period just prior to the break, Bromley spurned three separate opportunities to go into half-time with a substantial advantage with Jordan Robertson the chief offender.
On the night, Tonbridge’s bench was probably as strong as it could be, but envious eyes would have been cast along the line to see Scannell, Jamie Slabber and Adam Birchall waiting in the wings.
Sobers, who probably was a long way short of being fully fit, was forced to make way on the hour and eight minutes later the game was effectively put to bed. Moses Ademola stepped inside Chris Piper and the Tonbridge midfielder clumsily brought him down. Ademola stroked home the penalty to double the advantage.
After 68 minutes, Slabber executed the final twist of the knife when he produced an outlandish finish from a cross by Ademola at the far post. The ball appeared to have eluded the substitute but with the tightest of angles he squeezed the ball into the net.
Adam Birchall made a substitute’s appearance with 15 minutes remaining and it is sad to see him play a peripheral role after his injury-wrecked spell at Gillingham.
Tonbridge did better than okay for periods in this game, but for all their craft and industry in the middle of the field it was in the final third where their lightweight attack foundered on the mountainous Rob Swaine.
With a night shift beckoning in deepest, darkest Bermondsey I took my leave with five minutes remaining. The drive to work took me through a brightly Christmas decorated Chislehurst and gave me time to reflect that despite the score line, Tonbridge had some bright spots of their own on the evening and perhaps Santa will bring them a much needed striker.
Showing posts with label Bromley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bromley. Show all posts
Thursday, 4 December 2014
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Bromley 0 Gillingham 3
Match 03/13/1030 - Saturday, 6th July 2013 - Pre-Season Friendly
Bromley (0) 0
Gillingham (3) 3 Dack 28, Barrett 35, Kedwell (pen) 39
Att. est 600
Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: None issued
Mileage: 76/156
Match Report
Pre-season is not only about players getting match fitness, teams getting a settled pattern of play and managers finding his best eleven prior to the season start. It is also about those on the sidelines getting their eyes accustomed to watching games again and their concentration fully focused on what they are watching. On the evidence of this game, I need a lot more pre-season games before I’m fully match fit.
I’ll get my excuses in first, this was a really hot day, far more appropriate for the game of cricket that was being played on the adjacent field. I deserted a preferable place along the length of the pitch that was bathed in hot sunshine for a place under the roof of the stand behind the goal that offered some shade.
Martin Allen once again picked two elevens, one for each half and given the heat this was a wise move. The strongest team played the first half and whilst the second half team was made up mainly of youngsters there was the significant inclusion of the returning Adebayo Akinfenwa.
As the game kicked off, the loudspeaker that had clearly announced the teams turned into a high-pitched whistle that was pretty irritating so I decided to move a few seats along to save my ears. Whilst my back was turned there was a cheer from the Gillingham fans that had made the trip as Bradley Dack turned in from close range, but my dismay at missing the goal was short-lived as it was disallowed for offside. The visitors were once again denied the opening goal when a tap in from Charlie Allen was also ruled out.
After half-an-hour, Gillingham second half team took to the corner of the sidelines offering a good photo opportunity for a shot of the Big Man. So, of course, while I’m peering through the camera lens, Dack is beautifully weaving his way through the Bromley defence for the opening goal. Also among the players being put through their paces was Antonio German, newly acquired from Brentford and whilst I sought that particular shot, Adam Barrett was tucking home Gillingham’s second goal. I wouldn’t have mind had I not realised that I was, in fact, focussing on Devante McKain!
With mind fully on the job, I was at least concentrating as Myles Weston was brought down in the box to allow Danny Kedwell the opportunity from the penalty spot to give Gillingham a three goal half-time lead.
Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson was the only player to continue into the second half as the youngsters rather laboured in the heat. Bayo showed that his beautiful touch has not left him, but he obviously looks a couple of weeks behind in the pre-season training, but then he always looks a couple of weeks behind! I spotted the sign in front of me (pictured left), believe me it was directed at those on the terraces, not Bayo!
The Big Man showed a lightning turn of place as he chased down a ball that was being shepherd out by a Bromley defender, “he's coming to get you” shouted a Gillingham supporter, “I thought he was going to eat me”, retorted the defender.
Overall, this was a satisfying performance from Gillingham on a bowling green of a pitch. There were high class performances from Bradley Dack and, in the second half, Stephen Gregory. At least, during the time my concentration was in tune, they were the outstanding players. But, like the players, this is the time to blow the cobwebs away and be ready in the first week of August.
Bromley (0) 0
Gillingham (3) 3 Dack 28, Barrett 35, Kedwell (pen) 39
Att. est 600
Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: None issued
Mileage: 76/156
Match Report
Pre-season is not only about players getting match fitness, teams getting a settled pattern of play and managers finding his best eleven prior to the season start. It is also about those on the sidelines getting their eyes accustomed to watching games again and their concentration fully focused on what they are watching. On the evidence of this game, I need a lot more pre-season games before I’m fully match fit.
I’ll get my excuses in first, this was a really hot day, far more appropriate for the game of cricket that was being played on the adjacent field. I deserted a preferable place along the length of the pitch that was bathed in hot sunshine for a place under the roof of the stand behind the goal that offered some shade.
Martin Allen once again picked two elevens, one for each half and given the heat this was a wise move. The strongest team played the first half and whilst the second half team was made up mainly of youngsters there was the significant inclusion of the returning Adebayo Akinfenwa.
As the game kicked off, the loudspeaker that had clearly announced the teams turned into a high-pitched whistle that was pretty irritating so I decided to move a few seats along to save my ears. Whilst my back was turned there was a cheer from the Gillingham fans that had made the trip as Bradley Dack turned in from close range, but my dismay at missing the goal was short-lived as it was disallowed for offside. The visitors were once again denied the opening goal when a tap in from Charlie Allen was also ruled out.
With mind fully on the job, I was at least concentrating as Myles Weston was brought down in the box to allow Danny Kedwell the opportunity from the penalty spot to give Gillingham a three goal half-time lead.
The Big Man showed a lightning turn of place as he chased down a ball that was being shepherd out by a Bromley defender, “he's coming to get you” shouted a Gillingham supporter, “I thought he was going to eat me”, retorted the defender.
Overall, this was a satisfying performance from Gillingham on a bowling green of a pitch. There were high class performances from Bradley Dack and, in the second half, Stephen Gregory. At least, during the time my concentration was in tune, they were the outstanding players. But, like the players, this is the time to blow the cobwebs away and be ready in the first week of August.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Bromley 1 Tonbridge 1
Match 14/12/967 - Monday, 27 August 2012 - Conference South
Bromley (0) 1 Araba 86
Tonbridge (1) 1 Suarez 9
Att. 805
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 68/596
Match Report
Tonbridge survived football’s equivalent of the Alamo to record a hard-earned draw at Bromley’s Hayes Lane from this Bank Holiday Monday encounter. They can be thankful to a magnificent performance from goalkeeper Lee Worgan whilst their 19-year-old full back Henry Muggeridge can also take a huge credit from the game.
On a warm, blustery day that produced the odd shower, it was referee Ian Cooper that took centre stage with a series of decisions that infuriated both sets of supporters and Tonbridge manager, Tommy Warrilow in particular. Tonbridge were reduced to ten men, for a second successive game, when Chris Piper was shown a second yellow for a tackle with 20 minutes remaining. Neither booking looked worthy, but between the offences, the competitive Piper trod a fine line and with an ultra-fussy referee his departure had an air of inevitability about it.
Tonbridge started the game with a three-pronged attack of Mikel Suarez, George Purcell and Frannie Collin and with only four minutes on the clock, Purcell drove a shot across the face of Joe Welch only to see it rebound off a post. Bromley’s reprieve was not to last long when, five minutes later, Muggeridge played in Purcell whose shot at goal was only parried by Welch into the path of Suarez who had a tap in to give the Angels the lead.
Plying his trade down Bromley’s left wing was ex-Gillingham winger Albert Jarrett, who had produced from Worgan his first fine save of the match. With the impressive Ali Fuseini starting to pull the strings in the middle of the park, Bromley recovered from their shaky start and went on to dominate the first half. Piper picked up his first caution on 18 minutes, a soft looking booking for a barely mistimed tackle, whilst Worgan was called into action producing fine saves to deny Danny Waldren and Tony Finn. Bromley only had themselves to blame as they went in at half-time still in arrears as some poor finishing had been coupled with Worgan’s brilliance to keep the scoreline as it was.
Warrilow reshuffled at half time, the three-pronged attack was dispensed with and he introduced wingers Rory Hill and Nathan Koranteng to add some much needed width to their play whilst Olly Schulz, who had picked up a booking just prior to half-time for a poor challenge, was withdrawn with an ankle injury.
Sadly the second half started with Jarrett being stretchered from the field, but Tonbridge’s new set-up had the desired effect of nullifying Bromley’s midfield dominance. But, Piper’s second booking on 69 minutes changed all that and his dismissal led to an all-out assault on the visitor’s goal.
Worgan denied their efforts until he was beaten by Moses Swaibu’s header from a corner, but young Muggeridge made a fine saving header on the line.
Bromley finally got their deserved equaliser with four minutes remaining, substitute Ali Chaaban crossed into the path of Hakeem Araba who swept the ball home from close range.
As the home side used the time added-on to search for a winner, Worgan produced a save of stunning quality when he blocked Swaibu’s shot from point blank range. At any level of the game, it was a sensational effort; if it had been recorded by Sky they would have replayed the action all week.
How Tonbridge survived the last ten minutes was a matter of Worgan, stout defending and wasteful finishing, but the last chance fell to Koranteng who, with the chance of make himself an unlikely hero, blasted over after good work from the hard-working Purcell to preserve the status quo. Bromley would have been disappointed that their dominance failed to secure the three points, whilst Tonbridge will refer to refereeing decisions that had a huge effect on the game. The point lifts the Angels out of the bottom three with their hosts a place behind and both sides needing a win to get their season up-and-running.
Bromley (0) 1 Araba 86
Tonbridge (1) 1 Suarez 9
Att. 805
Entrance: £6 Senior
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 68/596
Match Report
On a warm, blustery day that produced the odd shower, it was referee Ian Cooper that took centre stage with a series of decisions that infuriated both sets of supporters and Tonbridge manager, Tommy Warrilow in particular. Tonbridge were reduced to ten men, for a second successive game, when Chris Piper was shown a second yellow for a tackle with 20 minutes remaining. Neither booking looked worthy, but between the offences, the competitive Piper trod a fine line and with an ultra-fussy referee his departure had an air of inevitability about it.
Tonbridge started the game with a three-pronged attack of Mikel Suarez, George Purcell and Frannie Collin and with only four minutes on the clock, Purcell drove a shot across the face of Joe Welch only to see it rebound off a post. Bromley’s reprieve was not to last long when, five minutes later, Muggeridge played in Purcell whose shot at goal was only parried by Welch into the path of Suarez who had a tap in to give the Angels the lead.
Warrilow reshuffled at half time, the three-pronged attack was dispensed with and he introduced wingers Rory Hill and Nathan Koranteng to add some much needed width to their play whilst Olly Schulz, who had picked up a booking just prior to half-time for a poor challenge, was withdrawn with an ankle injury.
Sadly the second half started with Jarrett being stretchered from the field, but Tonbridge’s new set-up had the desired effect of nullifying Bromley’s midfield dominance. But, Piper’s second booking on 69 minutes changed all that and his dismissal led to an all-out assault on the visitor’s goal.
Bromley finally got their deserved equaliser with four minutes remaining, substitute Ali Chaaban crossed into the path of Hakeem Araba who swept the ball home from close range.
As the home side used the time added-on to search for a winner, Worgan produced a save of stunning quality when he blocked Swaibu’s shot from point blank range. At any level of the game, it was a sensational effort; if it had been recorded by Sky they would have replayed the action all week.
How Tonbridge survived the last ten minutes was a matter of Worgan, stout defending and wasteful finishing, but the last chance fell to Koranteng who, with the chance of make himself an unlikely hero, blasted over after good work from the hard-working Purcell to preserve the status quo. Bromley would have been disappointed that their dominance failed to secure the three points, whilst Tonbridge will refer to refereeing decisions that had a huge effect on the game. The point lifts the Angels out of the bottom three with their hosts a place behind and both sides needing a win to get their season up-and-running.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Bromley 2 Gillingham 1
Match 01/10/817 - Saturday, 10th July 2010 - Pre-Season Friendly
Bromley (0) 2 McDonnell 66, Scarborough 73
Gillingham (0) 1 Onibuje 78
Att. TBC
Entrance: £10
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 76/76
Match Report
This was a stereotypical Pre-Season Friendly. A roasting hot day, a different eleven for each half, a clutch of triallists, one of which even had the press box boys scratching their heads and a Gillingham away defeat.
The thermometer on the car dashboard showed 31degC as I pulled into the Hayes Lane car park for Gillingham’s second friendly in 48 hours following a 2-1 defeat at Braintree on Friday evening.
Nicky Southall and Ian Hendon were putting out the cones and while kicking a ball about Hendon thundered two successive volleys into the net from 20 yards and he’s just the assistant manager were my thoughts. Danny Spiller warmed up with the squad but did not feature and Mark McCammon went through a light session away from the rest.
Bromley’s Hayes Lane pitch looked absolutely perfect, although with the lack of rain it was probably a bit on the firm side.
Andy Hessenthaler began the game with a recognisable first eleven. Triallist Tony Sinclair lined up in centre defence alongside Josh Gowling sporting an almost comical new hairstyle and Andy White, the young summer signing from Reading, took up a position on the left side of midfield.
Gillingham dominated the first half; Luke Rooney was the stand-out player drawing a couple of saves from Bromley’s Craig Holloway and was in the thick of most of the visitors attacking intentions. White drifted across the front line and looked comfortable on the ball. In the back line, Sinclair, although lacking in height, was untroubled by Bromley’s strikers. Jack Payne also had an industrious 45 minutes.
A convenient injury mid-way through each half allowed the referee to implement an American-style time-out for the players to take on much needed liquid countering the searing heat.
Alan Julian was forced into just one save before the break, but for all of their possession and Rooney’s efforts the half remained goalless.
Gillingham’s second half eleven included triallists Oliver Kelly, a former Reading academy player; Craig Stone making a return in a Gillingham shirt; Serge Makofo and Fola Onibuje (pictured) making up the front line. Makofo, Congolese, had great pace and proved quite a handful, whilst Onibuje, a Nigerian, was simply huge.
The second half began badly for the visitors and got progressively worse. Connor Essam was caught in possession inside the box and Nic McDonnell made him pay dearly for the mistake with a well taken shot past Julian into the bottom corner, for a 66th minute lead. Shortly after Dean Rance had to be helped from the field following a knock to the ankle to be replaced by Youssef Bourezghi, a triallist that even Wikipedia cannot place.
Three minutes later a corner found defender Jon Scarborough standing in an ocean of space from which he capitalised with a thunderous volley reminiscent of Hendon’s warm-up efforts. Mark Bentley looked questionably at Kelly and Bourezghi regarding their whereabouts at the moment of conversion. Neither went on to redeem themselves greatly and this might well be the first and last we see of the pair in a Gillingham shirt.
A typical jinking Andy Barcham run and cross from the left hand side left the towering Onibuje to head home from close range to halve the deficit and in the last act of the game, Makofo weaved his way into a good shooting position but spoilt his good work with a shot that was smothered by the Bromley keeper.
Successive defeats will not inspire confidence but results pre-season mean nothing. First half passing was crisp and effective, second half defensive howlers were the contributory factors to the defeat. 45 minutes viewing is not enough to rule in or out any of the triallists, but first impressions are that they will not make the grade.
Dartford’s Princes Park sees the next stop on the Pre-Season trail.
Bromley (0) 2 McDonnell 66, Scarborough 73
Gillingham (0) 1 Onibuje 78
Att. TBC
Entrance: £10
Programme: £2.50
Mileage: 76/76
Match Report
This was a stereotypical Pre-Season Friendly. A roasting hot day, a different eleven for each half, a clutch of triallists, one of which even had the press box boys scratching their heads and a Gillingham away defeat.The thermometer on the car dashboard showed 31degC as I pulled into the Hayes Lane car park for Gillingham’s second friendly in 48 hours following a 2-1 defeat at Braintree on Friday evening.
Nicky Southall and Ian Hendon were putting out the cones and while kicking a ball about Hendon thundered two successive volleys into the net from 20 yards and he’s just the assistant manager were my thoughts. Danny Spiller warmed up with the squad but did not feature and Mark McCammon went through a light session away from the rest.Bromley’s Hayes Lane pitch looked absolutely perfect, although with the lack of rain it was probably a bit on the firm side.
Andy Hessenthaler began the game with a recognisable first eleven. Triallist Tony Sinclair lined up in centre defence alongside Josh Gowling sporting an almost comical new hairstyle and Andy White, the young summer signing from Reading, took up a position on the left side of midfield.
Gillingham dominated the first half; Luke Rooney was the stand-out player drawing a couple of saves from Bromley’s Craig Holloway and was in the thick of most of the visitors attacking intentions. White drifted across the front line and looked comfortable on the ball. In the back line, Sinclair, although lacking in height, was untroubled by Bromley’s strikers. Jack Payne also had an industrious 45 minutes.
A convenient injury mid-way through each half allowed the referee to implement an American-style time-out for the players to take on much needed liquid countering the searing heat.
Alan Julian was forced into just one save before the break, but for all of their possession and Rooney’s efforts the half remained goalless.
Gillingham’s second half eleven included triallists Oliver Kelly, a former Reading academy player; Craig Stone making a return in a Gillingham shirt; Serge Makofo and Fola Onibuje (pictured) making up the front line. Makofo, Congolese, had great pace and proved quite a handful, whilst Onibuje, a Nigerian, was simply huge.The second half began badly for the visitors and got progressively worse. Connor Essam was caught in possession inside the box and Nic McDonnell made him pay dearly for the mistake with a well taken shot past Julian into the bottom corner, for a 66th minute lead. Shortly after Dean Rance had to be helped from the field following a knock to the ankle to be replaced by Youssef Bourezghi, a triallist that even Wikipedia cannot place.
Three minutes later a corner found defender Jon Scarborough standing in an ocean of space from which he capitalised with a thunderous volley reminiscent of Hendon’s warm-up efforts. Mark Bentley looked questionably at Kelly and Bourezghi regarding their whereabouts at the moment of conversion. Neither went on to redeem themselves greatly and this might well be the first and last we see of the pair in a Gillingham shirt.
A typical jinking Andy Barcham run and cross from the left hand side left the towering Onibuje to head home from close range to halve the deficit and in the last act of the game, Makofo weaved his way into a good shooting position but spoilt his good work with a shot that was smothered by the Bromley keeper.
Successive defeats will not inspire confidence but results pre-season mean nothing. First half passing was crisp and effective, second half defensive howlers were the contributory factors to the defeat. 45 minutes viewing is not enough to rule in or out any of the triallists, but first impressions are that they will not make the grade.
Dartford’s Princes Park sees the next stop on the Pre-Season trail.
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