horsvbrom091203

Bromley lifted by Amoako's double

Horsham 1-2 Bromley
Tuesday 9 December 2003
Ryman League Division One South
by Stephen McCartney

Bromley chairman Jerry Dolke's first game as manager saw Bromley end a run of five league games without a win, with a hardworking and committed victory in patchy foggy conditions at Queen Street.

Dolke, however, watched the first half in the directors box and beside the dug out in the second half, with John Myatt and goalkeeping coach Derek Parnham inspiring the team from the dug-out, making good tactical decisions throughout
the game.

The visitors started brightly and South African Steve Potterill, playing in a midfield role for the first time this season, powerfully struck a 30 yard shot into Luke Burton's arms following good play from two-goal hero Adolph Amoako.

Jason McKoy's visionary through ball allowed Amoako to run onto and the former Crystal Palace youngster clipped a shot narrowly wide of the top of the right upright.

Horsham striker Rhod Davis then broke and set up Ahmet Suleymanoglu, but the former Lewes striker fired wide of the right post.

Another Bromley chance came their way but a defender got in the way of a fierce drive from outside the penalty area from John Wilfort, making his 99th appearance for the Ravens.

A lapse of concentration by Bromley goalkeeper Danny Harwood, almost gifted the home side a goal after 17 minutes.  Mark Willy squared the ball but the shot-stopper's clearance fell straight to Davis, but his volley from just outside the penalty area was well off target.

But Harwood, making his 233rd appearance for the club, made amends five minutes later when he came rushing off his line to thwart livewire Lee Carney, who received a bottle of champagne before kick off to celebrate his 100th appearance
for the Sussex club.

But after 32 minutes everyone saw Harwood have a rush of blood, coming out some thirty yards off his goalline to try to clear a long Horsham pass.

However, he lost the race for the ball and John Timlin's shot was calmly played away from goal, inside the six yard box, by quality Bromley defender Colin Luckett.

Horsham took the lead nine minutes before the interval with a well taken goal. 

Talented Carney in the middle of the park threaded the ball ahead of Davis.  As Harwood came rushing off his goal line, Davis lifted the ball over him and his momentum carried him forward to run the ball into an unguarded net from close
range.

Seven minutes after the break, Bromley midfielder Jason McKoy's right footed 25 yard free kick sailed over before the home side turned the screw just before the hour mark.

Carney's vision in the middle spread the ball to the right to Carlo Castrechino who cut inside before unleashing a 25 yard shot narrowly over the Bromley crossbar.

Moments later Suleymanoglu's clever back heal outside the penalty area set up Carney whose right footed shot from inside the D was powerfully struck straight at Harwood whose positioning was perfect as were his two saves from
Suleymanoglu.

Davis missed a gilt-edged chance after 67 minutes when he dragged a shot wide of the upright from inside the box.

The 73rd minute introduction of powerhouse striker Wade Falana added power and strength to the Bromley front line, alongside Amoako and fellow substitute Tony Reid.

Amoako's square pass set up Wilfort but the ball clearly bobbled as he shot from 30 yards and the ball spun high and wide.

Bromley were gifted an equaliser with only twelve minutes remaining.  Potterill made inroads down the right flank and his hanging cross caught out goalkeeper Burton who thought the cross was going out of play.

The ball bounced off the crossbar and bounced down where Amoako pounced and fired home the equaliser from close range.

It was what Bromley deserved with their most committed performance for several weeks.

Former AFC Wimbledon striker, Falana was booked for a rash challenge on Stuart Hardy, who was also booked for his reaction.

However, with four minutes left, Danny Smith's long ball carved out Amoako who clipped the ball over Burton creeping into the left side of the net.

Former Lewes striker Reid almost added a third but his left footed shot inside injury time went wide.

Bromley central defenders Joe Vines and Dean Forbes have been AWOL from the club in their current mini-crisis, but seventeen year old defender John Butler filled their boots extremely well, with a calm, mature performance at the back
alongside Mark Willy and Colin Luckett.

Bromley's next two games are at home at their Clive Christian Stadium in Hayes Lane, against Croydon (Saturday, 3pm) and Marlow (Tuesday,16 December, 7.45pm)


Horsham: Luke Burton, Matt Ottley, Stuart Hardy (Simon Berry 83), Tom Graves, John Kirby, Rob Hughes, Lee Carney (Barrie Westgate 84), Carlo Castrechino, Ahmet Suleymanoglu, Rhod Davis, John Timlin (David Soutar 83).  Subs: Eddie French, Junior Adeniyi

Bromley: Danny Harwood, Steve Potterill, Mark Willy, John Butler (Wade Falana 73, Paul Vines 88), Colin Luckett, Danny Smith (Capt), Jason McKoy, Bobby George (Tony Reid 52), Adolph Amoako, John Wilfort, Michael Harney.  Subs: Andy Hunt, Paul Kember

Attendance: 175
Referee: Matthew Knight
Assistants: Grant Smith and Warren Lester