Bromley
dropped two points at home to a very robust Staines Town side after
failing to close out a game they should have won and letting in a late
equaliser, in a very similar style to the Chelmsford and Margate games,
writes Colin Head.
Staines
started the game on top and without the injured Des Boateng Bromley lacked
a ball winner in midfield and looked uncomfortable with the 3-5-2
formation.
Hunter shot over as the visitors pushed The Ravens back and then he was
brought down in the box for a penalty with the next attack, Hunter himself
stepped up to take the kick, but it was brilliantly saved by Walker, who
had to undergo treatment after the following the corner.
Allan McLeod then limped off and was replaced by Fraser Logan, with George
Wakeling Billy Smith switching to 4-4-2 Bromley then looked more solid and
started to come back into things.
As the Ravens battled in midfield Staines got rattled and put in some very
late challenges. On 25 minutes Bromley’s momentum was rewarded with a
goal when Stone brought down a high ball on the edge of the box and he
turned and crashed a great shot across the Keeper into the net.
Bromley were now well on top, but they didn’t make the possession count,
although they did have a shout for a penalty when Nic McDonnell
embarrassed the Keeper and defender by winning a lose ball and was
seemingly brought down, but Referee Mr Meilack turned he appeals away.
The
second half saw Bromley have most of the attacking play, but they were
continuingly frustrated by the Staines off side trap and when they did
finally break though Logan was denied by Allway.
Newton clashed with Stone and (allegedly) punched the Bromley striker, but
Mr Meilack chose not to even book him.
As the half went on Staines got right back into the game and put Bromley
under pressure, Joe Vines made a great saving tackle after Tutu Henriques
was caught in possession.
McDonnell had to go off injured and Wade Falana came on to provide an
aerial threat, but The Ravens rarely got the ball up to him and Staines
had more chances. One shot went across the goal and Popovic headed over
from close range.
The equaliser seemed to be inevitable and it came on 89 minutes, when the
home defence failed to clear their lines from a set piece and Manuella
crashed the ball in from six yards.
The visitors No.10 Guy was ordered off for an elbow as Bromley did try and
grab a winner in injury time, Sam Wood’s shot was saved and there was
pressure from corners, but it wasn’t to be.
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