It's important for us to improve our form at home, says Bromley boss Mark Goldberg

Monday 13th October 2014
BROMLEY manager Mark Goldberg says his side’s home form must improve if they are to keep their FA Cup run alive.

The Ravens are in fifth-place in the Vanarama Conference South table but have lost three of their five home games at Hayes Lane.

However, they thrashed Southern League Division One Central Uxbridge 5-1 in The FA Cup Second Qualifying Round and came away from Ryman Premier League side Grays Athletic with a goal-less draw on Saturday to set up Tuesday night’s replay.

“It was always going to be a difficult game on a difficult surface against a side that’s capable of beating any side on their day,” said Goldberg.

“They’ve got some good players, a good pedigree, a good new manager.

“We went there believing that a draw would be a good result for us.

“All in all we came away, we probably had the better of the chances. Their keeper Conor Gough pulled off two or three very good saves and we weren’t really able to play to our better strengths but we’re pleased that we’ve got another opportunity tomorrow night to put it right.”

Goldberg wants his side to avoid being on the end of a FA Cup upset in front of their own fans.

He said: “Both teams will fancy their chances as a one-off Cup game. The better surface will suit both teams, not just us.

“They’ve showed that they’ve got a lot of pace upfront and they’re capable of getting a win as well, but we go into the game believing that it’s as good a chance for us to progress as we could have hoped.

“We’ve also learned from the game on Saturday and I’m hoping the side I put out is capable of winning the game.”

The Bromley faithful have seen Basingstoke Town (0-3); Chelmsford City (0-1) and Gosport Borough (0-3) come away from Hayes Lane with the points in the bag in Vanarama Conference South.

Bromley, meanwhile, head the away form in the division with three wins and three draws on their travels.

“Yes it’s important for us to improve our form at home and no better than to have another victory at home in The FA Cup to make it two wins out of the two games.

“At the same time we don’t underestimate the task ahead. It’s going to be a very difficult game.”

If Bromley get past Grays Athletic on Tuesday night then their reward is a trip to Southern League Division One South & West side Evesham United in the final qualifying round on 25 October.

The Worcestershire outfit play two league’s lower than Bromley and tonight sit in eleventh-place in the table, but they are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run.

Goldberg said: “You can look at that as being a fortunate draw – if we get through!

“But at the same time we’ve come across teams in lower divisions and they’ve caused upsets before so the next round we’ll think about after tomorrow – if we’re still in the competition after tomorrow.”

Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net

Bromley v Grays Athletic
The FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Replay
Tuesday 14th October 2014
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF