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McDonnell hat-trick helps Ravens secure precious victory

Bromley secured a precious three points at home against a struggling Windsor side, with a display of discipline and great finishing by Nic McDonnell, writes Colin Head. 

From the off The Ravens pushed he Royalists defence into action, Fraser Logan hit the bar after McDonnell had done well to bring down a high ball and McDonnell put a Logan cross just wide.

Visiting keeper Drake was very busy and made a fine save from Logan as he ran through.

Windsor then enjoyed their best spell of the game with Andy Walker saving well from Peter Holsgrove, but The Royalists did make their next effort on goal count, when Warner latched on to a poor back pass and did well to lob Walker after 15 minutes.

Bromley picked themselves up straight away and within two minutes were level when Locke played in Barry Gardner who sent in a low cross for McDonnell to smash home from close range.

Bromley went on to play some nice football and entertain the home fans, but Windsor did threaten a few times with Paul and Peter Holsgrove both shooting wide.

Bromley edged in front on 37 minutes with Windsor looking very shaky at the back, Gardener sent over a low cross which was knocked towards Drake by his defender, in a state of panic he tried to kick it away, but passed it to McDonnell who blasted the ball home from close range.

Just before the break McDonnell was denied his hat trick when Drake made a good save.

Bromley came out flying at the start of the second half and made it 3-1 when a corner was powerfully headed in by Joe Vines.

This triggered another spell of Raven dominance, the exciting Sam Wood shot just wide and Gardner went close with a free kick after an awful foul on Colin Luckett by Cahill.

Drake made a fine save from another Vines header, but from the following corner The Royalists conceded a penalty when Henriques was pulled to the ground by the cumbersome Lee Holsgrove.

This was his second yellow card offence and he was ordered off by Referee Johnson.

McDonnell was given the ball by usual taker Allan McLeod and he didn’t let the side down smashing the spot kick in for on 77 minutes.

Mark Tomkpins and Wade Falana came on for Logan and McDonnell up front and continued to make life hard for the visitors.

Gardner was just wide with a free kick and Tompkins turned a Wood cross just over. No more goals came, but this was an emphatic victory with every player deserving a mention for their performance and contribution to the team.                                 

Bromley: Walker, McLeod, Luckett, Henriques, Vines, Gardner, Boateng, Locke, Wood, McDonnell, Logan. Subs: Tompkins, Falana, Willy, Stone, Potterill.

Windsor & Eton:  Drake, Davies, Bicknell, Lewington, Jarvis, Kersey, Paul Holsgrove,  L Holsgrove, Peter Holsgrove, Warner, Cahill. Subs: Wilson, Cox, Skinner, Smart, Carroll.