wealdstone171205

Carroll returns to Bromley just in time for Christmas

On a freezing cold Saturday afternoon there was little on show at Hayes Lane to warm the hearts of the 374 in attendance, one of whom shouted out that he’d rather have gone shopping with the misses! This was a game played between two out of form teams who were desperate not to lose, writes Colin Head.

One bright point ahead of the game was the return of Danny Carroll, but this was tempered by the fact that he was played at sweeper in back five while his presence was badly required in an un-inspired midfield.

Bromley lined up very defensively, which although secured things at the back left both strikers very isolated and short of service. Wealdstone had the first real chance, but Des Boateng was on hand to clear the ball from under the bar.

Colin Luckett had a shot saved and Gary Drewett fired wide after good work by Nic McDonnell.

Bromley’s best chance came just before the half when Sam Wood and McDonnell set up Jones Awuah but he fired over from 6yards under pressure from Stones goalkeeper Jackson.

Very late on Luckett also had a good effort deflected wide, but it was still 0-0 at the half.

Bromley started the second half brightly Awuah had a shot saved by Jackson, while at the other end Wealdstone had a good shout for hand ball in the box turned down.

Stones top scorer Jason Beckford seemed to have a great chance as the half went on, but his effort was so wide it went out for a Bromley throw!

The Stones had the better of things for a substantial period of time, Andy Walker did well to keep out a corner, which Bromley had to defend while Willy was off injured.

Just after Carroll went off Walker made a great save from Beckford, but from the following corner the big No.9 was on hand to turn the ball in from close range to open the scoring with 12 minutes left.

Bromley rallied, Adrian Stone came on for Awuah and The Ravens showed more attacking instincts Boateng set up McDonnell, but the Bromley top scorer fired wide from close range.

Sam Wood pushed on, one cross was headed wide by Boateng, but it was the tricky left winger who set up the equaliser deep into injury time when his cross field ball caught Tucker out and his slip let in McDonnell who took a touch before firing the ball in off the post from the edge of the box.