We would like to thank Bromley FC for hosting last night’s game against their Under 23’s squad – we knew that it would be a tough game having seen that they hammered Crystal Palace Under 18’s last week.
It was a foul evening with a strong wind blowing from right to left with the rain lashing down. On a huge pitch with a pristine artificial surface we were going to find it hard to adapt after only two training sessions against an excellent young side. Bromley were soon into their stride – they held their tactical positions very well and moved the ball unhesitatingly which had the Bluebloods chasing shadows.

Their right winger didn’t run – he glided – now Doyler, in an unaccustomed position at left back, is quick but this guy was quicker and he caused us no end of trouble. At half time we were 3 – 0 behind but Leo Webster in the Wickham goal had made two miraculous saves from close range so it could well have been a more debilitating scoreline.

We improved markedly in the second period – making better use of the wide open spaces and passing the ball more accurately. Connor Byrne and Mark Williams held the defence together with Aston Boyes doing well at right back but Webster still had to make three vital saves. For short periods Wickham dominated possession with Ollie Clark and Joe Kelly seeing a lot of the ball. Josh Tutt was causing the Bromley defence a few problems and hit the far post with a well worked free kick with Aston Boyes.
The home keeper made an excellent save from Joe Kelly but, frankly, we didn’t trouble him too much.

We were unlucky to give away a fourth goal – after appearing to clear the danger the block tackle sent the ball out to one of their strikers who stroked the ball into the top left hand corner of the net with Leo Webster unsighted.
Bromley have some excellent young players who behaved impeccably and were really good to watch. We wish them well in their blossoming careers.

Adam Freeman, skipper Jamie Askew and top scorer Sam Murray were all unavailable which was a pity as the game may have been a bit closer with them on the park but it probably wouldn’t have affected the result.