15thsept05

Thursday 15th September 2005

Bromley looking for FA Cup glory

Bromley go into Saturday's match with Maldon Town on the back of a comfortable looking 4-1 FA Cup win over Bedfont, reports www.bromleytimes.co.uk

But despite the score Bromley did not have things all their own way and assistant manager Frank Coles was relieved to get through to the next round - earning a very useful £2,250 in sponsorship money from the FA at the same time.

"It was a close game," he said. "We weren't pleased with the first half but in the second we defended a lot better and took our chances.

"Their ground is right at the end of a runway at Heathrow and every 30 seconds or so a plane would fly over so the players couldn't hear each other."

He added: "There's always one non-league club that does well and George Wakeling and I were telling the players: why can't it be us that gets into the first round proper this year?"

But it's back to Ryman Premier League basics on Saturday, and with only two points separating Bromley and Maldon Town, Coles believes it is a chance to put some room between themselves and the clubs at the bottom.

While Bromley's defence has been solid this season Maldon have let in 13 in their six league games so far but Coles expects a tough game as Bromley play the first of four home games in succession.

"Maldon have a couple of very good players," he said. "There are goals in that team, despite their start.

"It's often hard after a cup game but, as George says, it's our bread-and-butter and we need to start winning games."

Bromley hope to welcome back a few familiar faces as the Courage Stadium injury problems start to show signs of easing. Colin Luckett is hopeful of returning on Saturday, as it Adam Locke, and former Ashford Town midfielder, Barry Gardner is back from suspension.

Margate are the visitors to The Courage Stadium in Hayes Lane, next Tuesday, 20th September (7:45pm), before Combined Counties League basement boys Chipstead visit in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup (24th).

Bromley v Maldon Town
Ryman League Premier Division
Saturday 17th September 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Courage Stadium, Hayes Lane, Bromley