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Bromley back playing on the big stage

In front of over 2,500 fans at Kingsmeadow, Bromley’s injury hit side secured a hard earned point with a display of solid defending and hard work from every player, writes Colin Head.

The Ravens got off to the perfect start when after only 2 minutes a long throw from the right was flicked on by Nic McDonnell and the ball eventually fell to Barry Gardner who smashed the ball home to stun the home faithful and to send the 80 or so Bromley fans, who were segregated in a corner at the other end of the ground, crazy.

From that point the first half was a story of The Dons attacking and Bromley defending and looking to Amoako as an outlet.

Moore hit the bar for The Dons and Butler had a header sail over the bar, but Andy Walker was comfortable with any efforts that were on target.

Des Boateng was booked for nothing more than a strong tackle with Referee Cook seemingly flustered by the big crowd.

On the break Sam Wood had a shot well saved by Little, but Bromley’s best chance of extending their lead came in the last minute of the first half when McDonnell found himself one on one with Little.

Sadly the former Carshalton Athletic striker failed to make his mind up whether to lob the keeper or take it round him and the relieved custodian pounced on the lose ball. 

In the second half it was once again a tale of Dons attacking and Bromley launching the occasional counter. Moore shot over and Walker made one great save tipping over a fierce long range drive.

Wimbledon went more direct as they got more frustrated, but Walker was more than a match for their high balls into the box.

The atmosphere behind the goal was like a cup tie with both sets of fans singing at each other and it seemed to lift the Bromley players.

Little parried a low Gardner shot and McDonnell blasted the rebound over. The home Keeper was called upon to stop another Gardner effort from a free kick, but with Bromley having their best spell The Dons struck and grabbed an equaliser.

On 73 minutes a throw from the left wasn’t cleared properly and New Zealand International Smeltz scored in off the post from just inside the box.

Neither side really looked like winning it from that point, although they both continued to go forward when in possession.

Allan Mcelod and Gardner had to go of injured, but were ably replaced by Fraser Logan and Henry  Darko.

Bromley’s fans celebrated at the final whistle knowing that this was a fine point to take from a difficult away game and a great showing for the club on and off the pitch and they travel to Bedfont in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday.

AFC Wimbledon: Little, Butler, Cooper, Finnie, Howard, Sargent, Moore, York, Smeltz, Carvy, Farr. Subs: Lennie, Woolner, Daly, Sobihy, Wojciechowski.

Bromley: Walker, Julius, Henriques, Vines, Willy, Gardner, McLeod, Boateng, Wood, Amoako, McDonnell. Subs: Falana, Darko, Logan, Luckett, Locke.