We could do better, admits Bromley boss Neil Smith

BROMLEY manager Neil Smith says he is taking The Buildbase FA Trophy seriously.

 

The Ravens start their campaign with a First Round home tie against a very good Leiston side, who arrive at Hayes Lane sitting in fifth-place in the Ryman Premier League table.

Bromley play two levels higher and go into the game in 13^th place in the Vanarama National League table. 

Smith’s side clinched their third win of the season over their Kent rivals Maidstone United last weekend, courtesy of Adam Cunnington’s headed goal after only 17 seconds and George Porter’s second half header.

Bromley now need another six league wins to ensure National League football is played at Hayes Lane for a third season – but the club should be looking to go as far as they can in The Buildbase FA Trophy.

“It’s a trophy you can get to the Final in, if you have a good run and have a bit of luck so it’s something that you can win or at least get to get to the final so we’ll be going out to win that game and progress,” said Smith.

“We’re not going to take anybody lightly because we know that Leiston are thinking exactly the same.”

Bromley’s game at Macclesfield Town on 17 December will be only the second time in 60 league games that the club will be shown live on BT Sport since the club won promotion.

Smith said: “It’s great for the club to be on the tele, you hope you can put a performance on like we did against Maidstone but we’ve got a massive game tomorrow before that and I’ll start preparing for the Macclesfield game after.”

Bromley then host their bitter rivals Sutton United on Boxing Day, 26 December, before playing the return match at Gander Green Lane on New Years’ Day. Both games kicking off at 3 o’clock.

“They’re going to be big local games,” said Smith.

“I know Paul Doswell so they’re going to be difficult games. Whether those games were over Christmas or whether they were in the season it adds a bit of spice to it being at Christmas.

“We’ll get the Trophy out of the way and we’ll prepare for one game at a time.”

Smith is doing a great job at Hayes Lane and the manager hopes to steer the club higher up in the table during the second half of the season.

“I think it was a bit of a difficult start, new players were not getting off to the best of starts but we’ve got players coming back from fitness,” he said.

“There’s competition for places, which I didn’t have earlier on in the season.

“We’re not going to go shouting from the rooftops. We’ve got a long way to go yet and I’m pleased with it – but we could do better.”

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.tv/site

Bromley  v  Leiston
The Buildbase FA Trophy First Round
Saturday 10^th December 2016
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF