10thaug05

Wednesday 10th August 2005

Bromley impress against the Angels

Bromley put on their best pre-season performance on Tuesday night, against a lively Tonbridge Angels side, which made it a very good game to watch, writes Colin Head.

After an even start Bromley seized the advantage after eight minutes when Nic McDonnell, signed from Carshalton Athletic, was brought down in the penalty box, which was hotly disputed by the Angels' defenders.

Allan McLeod tucked away the spot kick to give the Ryman Premier League hosts the lead and they went on to play some really nice football.

Adam Locke played Des Boateng in, but his effort was well saved by former Fisher Athletic goalkeeper, Jerome John.

McLeod was outstanding all night and his passing set up several chances for the Bromley forwards.

However, Tonbridge looked lively going forward, with former Raven, Leroy Huggins proving a handful for Bromley's back line.

McDonnell headed just over from one great ball and Fraser Logan shot wide from another.

Just before the break Bromley had one more chance. McLeod played in McDonnell who headed down for Logan, but the Scotsman's shot was saved by the impressive John.

Second half substitute, and former Angels' striker, Wade Falana made an immediate impact sending over a cross for McDonnell, who headed just over and he had an effort of his own sail just wide.

Gary Drewett was on the end of a very late foul, which went unpunished and he had only just got back to his feet when Falana had another shot go just wide of the post.

Locke played in Barry Gardner, whose been on trial at Nationwide Conference South outfit Welling United, after leaving Ashford Town, but his volley on the run crashed against the post, but on 70 minutes he did find the net.

Joe Vines rolled the ball into Gardner's path and he sent a fierce drive into the bottom left hand corner.

Bromley continued to press, goalkeeper Andy Walker impressing against his former side.

Falana went on a strong run into the box before playing in McDonnell, who was denied by John and soon after the impressive Boateng blasted just over the bar from distance.

Late on the visitors launched a good break, which finished with a header going just over.

Bromley's central defender, Joe Vines pulled up sharply when pursuing a Tonbridge forward, and hopefully the injury won't be too serious.

And former young Gillingham goalkeeper Darren Ibrahim, whose played for both Bromley and Welling United during pre-season, impressed up front when he came onto the pitch after the home side had used all their outfield substitutes.

Bromley: Walker, Potterill, McLeod, Willy, Vines, Drewett, Locke, Boateng, Logan, Amoako, McDonnell. Subs: Falana, Chin, Julius, Gardner, Ibrahim.

Tonbridge Angels' Squad: John, Aris, Barnes, Beales, Hambley, Heath, Huggins, May, Hollioake, Lye, Parkes, Piscina, Powell, Roser, Smith, Wastell, Shaw, Day, Holmes, Goldsmith, Sinclair.