18thaug05

Thursday 18th August 2005

Bromley struggling with injuries for opener

Bromley picked up yet more injuries in Tuesday night's 2-1 Paul Muir Memorial Trophy at Croydon Athletic, reports www.bromleytimes.co.uk

Gary Drewett joined the crowds vying for space on the treatment table, with boss George Wakeling worried the talented winger could be out for three weeks. Not good news ahead of Saturday's Ryman Premier League opener against Chelmsford City.

"I'm very disappointed we picked up another couple of injuries," said a dejected Wakeling.

"Adam Locke went off as well. I know it was a final, but it was still a friendly and it's very frustrating. It's not the right way to start the season."

A penalty from Nic McDonnell and a Fraser Logan drive 20 minutes from time earned the win for Wakeling's men in what was, injuries aside, a decent final work-out before the serious stuff starts.

"It was a lively game," Wakeling said. "But we were a little lop-sided because we were trying out one or two players who haven't been training with us. It was a good night though, except for the injuries."

Last Saturday, Bromley drew 1-1 to Cray Wanderers in another tough pre-season fixture.

Bromley had the better of the first half, taking an early lead through Barry Gardner, but had to regroup after losing midfielder Des Boateng to injury. Sam Wood equalised for Ian Jenkins' side.

Wakeling was happy with the performance but again, not with picking up more niggles.

He said: "These things happen but it's not a good position to be in ahead of Saturday's game. You don't need it in these games and a couple of them look long term."

Despite his pre-season problems, Wakeling remains upbeat about Bromley's prospects in the Ryman Premier League this season and insists it will be business as usual for the Ravens.

"We'll take each game as it comes," he said. "We'll feel our way into this division and hopefully we can hold our own and then get better.

"We're not going to start shouting about promotion or anything like that - we'll see how it goes."

There was some great news for everyone at The Courage Stadium this week. Joint manager Billy Smith is recovering well after heart surgery and should be home soon.

"He'll be out of circulation for a few months, which means he'll be biting his nails at home!" Wakeling said.

Bromley signed midfielder Barry Gardner earlier this week. He played for Ryman League Division One side Ashford Town last season and was on trial with Nationwide Conference South outfit Welling United prior to coming to Bromley.

Bromley v Chelmsford City
Ryman League Premier Division
Saturday 20th August 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Courage Stadium, Hayes Lane, Bromley