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Battle of Bromley ends all square

This was a game of two halves and two shoulder injuries. Bromley dominated the first half and were dealt a massive blow with the loss of influential midfielder Des Boateng, who was hurt in a mid air collision, and then Cray went on to dominate the second half despite losing Keeper Steve Northwood at half time to a similar injury, writes Colin Head.

Bromley lined up 4-4-2 and had the better of the early play, they made their possession count after only 2minutes when Barry Gardner got on the end of a ball into the box and smashed his shot past Northwood

Bromley’s attackers were frustrated all day by the efficient Cray offside trap and nearly paid for their inability to break through when Sam Wood had a free kick excellently saved by Andy Walker at the other end.

Allan McLeod once again served up pinpoint crosses, one of which was headed against the bar by the unlucky McDonnell.

Des Boateng had to go off injured half way through the first half with a worrying looking shoulder injury.

The game evened out without his presence in midfield and Cray came right back at Bromley frequently taking the direct route to Gary Abbott.

Tutu Henriques made a goal saving tackle following a poor back pass by McLeod and soon after Jamie Kempster sent a fierce drive just over.

Bromley then had a late rally before the break, Gardner had a shot deflected wide and the resulting corner was headed towards goal by Mark Willy only for Kempster to block the ball on the line and clear it.

The second half saw Danny Bower take the gloves for Cray after an injury to Northwood, but for the next 45minutes Bromley didn’t really test him apart from a double save from McDonnell and Tutu Henriques at a corner.

The Wands equalised on 53 minutes when a good cross was headed home by Sam Wood.

Former Croydon striker Craig Dundas made his first appearance for Bromley and showed some nice touches, his best chance saw a powerful headed deflected wide.

Kevin George had to under go lengthy treatment after an awful tackle from behind by Moore.

Cray dominated the midfield with Bromley missing Adam Locke and Boateng and looking far too lightweight.

Walker made two fine saves from Kempster and both Andrew Julius and Henriques had to make vital saving tackles as The Wands came close to winning the Landlords versus Tenants match, but it finished all square.  

Bromley: Walker, Potterill, McLeod, Willy, Henriques, Drewett, Boateng, Gardner, George, McDonnell, Amoako. Subs: Falana, Dundas, Julius, Chin.

Cray Wanderers: Northwood, Bower, Cane, Russell, Hall, Harris, Kempster, S Wood, J Wood, Abbott, Bremner. Subs: Moore, Dickson, Heaslewood, Main, Ward.