It's been a season of highs and lows, admits Bromley boss Hayden Bird

Wednesday 13th April 2011

BROMLEY boss Hayden Bird says supporters should be happy with a top ten finish - and glory in the Kent Senior Cup, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Lillywhites booked their place in the Kent Senior Cup Final with a 3-2 win over tenants Cray Wanderers last night and will meet their Blue Square Bet South rivals Dartford in the Final at Princes Park on Bank Holiday Monday, 2 May (3pm).

Bromley raised expectations when they won their first seven league games and were early table-toppers, but a dip of form, manager Mark Goldberg departing the club, and only six league wins since their excellent start has seen the Hayes Lane club slump down to eleventh place in the table with 51 points.

“Obviously the season started exceptionally well,” admitted Bird, who has never been involved in a Kent Senior Cup Final.

“That caused it’s own problems in so much as it raised people’s expectations to a level that we weren’t honestly capable of sustaining.

“Whenever anybody asked me what the target’s were, I always said the same - to improve.

“I think the season, after the first ten games, has been a bit in and out. I think we’ve had some alright moments. I think we’ve had some good performances that have warranted us points and luck has gone against us a little bit.

“But if Bromley finish in the top ten and win the Kent Senior Cup - that will be the highest ever finish in the Conference South and win a Trophy, I think everyone should be very pleased with that.”

With his side currently in eleventh place in the table, Bird takes his side to play the side immediately below them (Staines Town) on Saturday, before welcoming Dartford to Hayes Lane on Good Friday, in a dress rehearsal for the Kent Senior Cup Final.

Bromley then travel to Chelmsford City - the side that ended their FA Cup campaign back in October - on Easter Monday, before ending their campaign at home to big and physical Eastleigh on 30 April.

“I think it’s important for every player at Bromley to get the opportunity to stake a place in the Cup Final team and it will be the right way to end the season,” said Bird.

“It’s been a season of highs and lows. These guys have been on a bit of a journey but if we can finish the season in our highest ever place and with a winners’ medal I think that’s a very good job done by all the players in the club.”

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net

Staines Town v Bromley

Blue Square Bet South

Saturday 16th April 2011

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Wheatsheaf Park, Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines, Middlesex TW18 2PD