I’m going to be very disappointed if Bromley are not in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup - Bird

Monday 11th October 2010

BROMLEY assistant manager Hayden Bird urges supporters to create a “volatile” atmosphere at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night to help guide his side through to the fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Lillywhites became the first side to score and avoid defeat at Chelmsford City’s fortress at Melbourne Park on Saturday, but the Essex giants grabbed a last-gasp penalty through David Rainford to earn a 2-2 draw for a second bite off the cherry.

“Obviously it was disappointing not to have won the tie having come so close,” admitted Bird, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, as goals from John Scarborough and Nic McDonnell weren’t enough for the unbeaten Blue Square Bet South leaders to progress at the first attempt.

“I thought that Bromley played very well. There’s little doubt in my mind that Bromley were the better team and deserved to win. Tactically the performance was very strong but we come back to Hayes Lane now and we feel confident to complete the job.”

Woking, Eastleigh, Dartford, Dorchester Town, Chertsey Town and Maidenhead United all failed to score and suffered defeats against the Clarets at Melbourne Park so far this season, but Bromley have come a long way this season and have yet tasted defeat in 13 games.

Bird admitted: “I think going to Chelmsford was always going to be very difficult baring in mind as they have won every game and not even conceded a goal.

“Saturday was different, it’s disappointing that we didn’t win at the first opportunity as we had the chances to win the game outright and to concede what was more like the 97th minute than the 94th minute was a blow - but not too much of a blow as we’ll come back to Hayes Lane on Tuesday and win the game.”

Bird believes home advantage will be crucial to progress and to bank £7,500 in prize money.

“I think we were the better side at Chelmsford and so the advantage now swings to Bromley on Tuesday,” said Bird.

“It’s still going to be difficult,” he warned. “Let’s put this in some perspective. Chelmsford are not third in the Conference South for no reason as they are a good side with good players but we feel very confident that we can win the game on Tuesday.”

If successful, Bromley will travel to Ryman Premier Leaguers Carshalton Athletic in the fourth qualifying round on 23 October - but Bird wants his side to emulate last season where they were defeated by Colchester United in the first round proper.

Bird spent two-and-a-half-years at Colston Avenue before arriving at Hayes Lane.

“We’re going to be very focused on Tuesday,” he said. “On a personal level Carshalton holds a lot of good memories for me and I have a lot of good friends at the club.

“We achieved good things there. I took over the club in 20th place in the league and heading for relegation and the year later they had their best season for 20-25 years by finishing fourth and got to the play-off final, so I had good times there.

“But my focus is very much with Bromley now and there will be no sentiment for me to go back to Carshalton. It will be very much concentrated on getting Bromley into the first round of The FA Cup.

“I said to you that we wanted to improve on last year.” added Bird. “That has always been the primary target for Bromley and that mean’s every competition. We want to improve on results and placings in the league table and Bromley’s performance in all Cup competitions. Now that is obviously difficult in the FA Cup as Bromley did very well in the FA Cup.

“I’m not going to lie to you, I’m going to be very disappointed if Bromley are not in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup because I know the capabilities and the potential within this squad.”

With a big crowd expected at Hayes Lane tomorrow night, Bird wants passionate support from the home fans.

He said: “I think that our supporters have to do some degree what the Chelmsford supporters did on Saturday - although some off the reaction from the Chelmsford supporters to Marlon Patterson was slightly outrageous - they created a very volatile environment to play and we need to do something similar at Hayes Lane.

Bird is likely to recall Jerrome Sobers back to partner John Scarborough at the heart of defence following his suspension.

He said: “Reis Boyle has come in and I think done exceptionally well and proved what an excellent young talent he is but Jerrome has been excellent all season so there’s going to be a headache there but whoever players there for Bromley on Tuesday I‘m sure will do an excellent job.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net

Bromley v Chelmsford City

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Third Qualifying Round Replay

Tuesday 12th October 2010

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF