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Thursday 01st September 2005

McIntyre's return inspires Bromley to victory

Banstead Athletic 1-2 Bromley

Saturday 17 January 2004

Ryman League Division One South

Stephen McCartney reports from Merland Rise

Following his shock resignation on Thursday 23rd October 2003, Stuart McIntyre returned to Bromley last Monday, and in his first game back in the dug-outs, the players belief and passion and will to win also returned.

Bromley were missing their Scottish leader, and so it proved when they won only five games under three other managers, but with their leader back in charge, Bromley can now look forward to twenty more league games and hope of a top-six finish at the end of this season.

They travelled to Banstead Athletic, a side that have won their last four league games, including a 6-1 thrashing of championship contenders, Lewes, and dug in, showing pride and passion and a wiliness to win for the popular Scot.

Adolph Amoako (suspended) made way for Wade Falana, Jason McKoy returned to the Bromley midfield after his recent release by former manager, Alan Walker, but credit for the victory goes to John Wilfort.

Drafted in as central defender, Wilfort, one of the tallest players at the club, took to his new role with a pinch of salt, clearly winning Bromley's man of the match award with a calm, no nonsense display at the back.

Wilfort played in his position whilst at Millwall and gives McIntyre inspiration to play him there instead of midfield where he normally plays.

Bromley goalkeeper, Danny Harwood, who made way for Andy Hunt in the last two games, was kept busy in the early exchanges collecting some difficult crosses in the wind before Bromley created their first opening after nine minutes when Mark Hammond's wing wizardry set up Wade Falana who headed wide of the left upright.

Bobby George, a hero whilst at Banstead, has also improved whilst playing in his true position as striker instead of right winger. In the 22nd minute he headed wide from Colin Luckett's free kick and appeals for a corner kick were turned down by the match officials.

The home side wasted a good opportunity two minutes later when Stuart White lashed a left footed shot over Harwood's crossbar from the left hand side of the penalty area.

Bromley deservedly opened their account after thirty committed minutes. Wilfort earned praise from McIntyre after the goal for his work. John Myatt hooked the ball from midfield down the throat of Falana. He brought the ball under control some thirty yards from goal. The powerful, committed striker ran towards goal and with the goal in his sight fired the ball past Tony Webb and into the far corner of the net to bring smiles to everyone connected with Bromley FC.

Welcome back McIntyre!

Six minutes later Lee Cormack's header across goal set up White but once again he lashed the shot high over the bar, but Bromley were in heaven, 2-0 up with six minutes before the break.

Hammond's corner on the left was volleyed by Jason McKoy and George flicked the shot home through a crowded six yard box into the corner of the net.

Bromley were given a life-line two minutes later when Michael Beale struck a shot towards goal from 22 yards. Harwood did well to get to his right but the shot struck the post and found the net. The goal, however, was disallowed as it touched a Banstead player close to the penalty spot on its way to finding the net.

Banstead manager, Bob Langford responded during the half-time interval making a double substitution. Former Bromley youngster, Marcel Dennis came on and was a menace down the right flank.

The home side pulled a goal back within three minutes of the interval.

Wayne Finnie, a player that can launch a rocket of a throw-in issued Bromley a warning seconds before the goal. Harwood screamed at his defence as they prepared for the punishment.

With Myatt standing on the touch-line to try to fend off the missile attack, Finnie's rocket was latched onto by Graham Knight and Lee Cormack scored at the far post.

Wilfort hooked the ball down the right for George to run on to. His pace got him within shooting distance and as he shot towards goal Miles Hutchins' bravely made a saving tackle blocking the shot.

Just after the hour mark, Hammond's superb right flank cross narrowly evaded George inside the penalty area. This was the start of a bright spell for the visitors.

Webb made a brilliant low diving save after 67 minutes. Michael Harney brought the ball down under control to the left of the penalty area, cut inside before shooting, from 22 yards, low towards the far corner, only to be denied by Webb's dive to his left to push the effort around the post.

Another superb run from George after 70 minutes saw him go close once again. Taking the ball round Webb his shot was hacked off the line by Aaron Day.

Falana, with his back to goal, turned to fire McKoy's cross wide of the right post, as it appeared Bromley's fighters appear to be enjoying their football once again, fighting for their Scottish leader and for their fans who throughout the game supported their hero's.

With ten minutes remaining, their most talented player, Gary Drewett entered the field to a great response. His return from a knee injury was complete and he played the final ten minutes as a striker to add height to the attack after Falana's efforts.

As the rain fell in the closing ten minutes, Bromley's heart grew, and Harwood was once again a rock between the sticks collecting cross after cross the home side delivered in difficult conditions.

Bromley should have won by more than 2-1 from this performance. They almost added a third with two minutes remaining. Twenty-year-old substitute, Paul Vines' headed high across goal from the left hand side for South African defender, Steve Potterill to fiercely strike at goal. Unfortunately he was denied his first goal for the club by a brave save from Webb blocking the shot and it ricochet over the crossbar.

McIntyre's finest moment last season was lifting the London Senior Cup, beating Ryman League Premier side Ford United 1-0 in the final at Dagenham & Redbridge. Dulwich Hamlet visit Hayes Lane on Tuesday (20th January, 7.45pm) to try to snatch the trophy out of Hayes Lane.

Bromley then face Leatherhead at Hayes Lane on Saturday 24 January (3pm) before Tonbridge Angels visit Hayes Lane on Tuesday 27th January (7.45pm) in the Kent Senior Cup Quarter-Final. This game was postponed from last Tuesday thanks to a waterlogged pitch.

Banstead Athletic: Tony Webb, Aaron Day, Miles Hutchins (Marcel Dennis 46), Mark Leahy, Wayne Finnie, James Greenaway, Grant Hutchinson, Helder Ribbiro (Graham Knight 46), Lee Cormack, Stuart White, Michael Beale. Subs: Danny Wise, Jamie Ribolla

Bromley: Danny Harwood, Steve Potterill, Michael Harney, John Wilfort, Colin Luckett, Danny Smith, Mark Hammond, John Myatt, Jason McKoy, Wade Falana (Gary Drewett 80), Bobby George (Paul Vines 83). Subs: Paul Kember, David Smith, Andy Hunt

BROMLEY STAR MAN: JOHN WILFORT

Attendance: 98

Referee: Mr D Buck

Assistants: Mr P Saunders, Mr D Eaton

To advertise here, telephone Stephen McCartney 07979 418 360