Kentish Football 
We need the supporters to get behind the boys, says Bromley coach Neil Smith
The Ravens won their first league game at Hayes Lane for 182 days’ when they defeated play-off chasing Chelmsford City last Saturday, thanks to target-man Hakeem Araba’s fifteenth goal of the season.
The victory over the perianal chokers from Essex extended Bromley’s unbeaten run to five games and Smith was delighted that the miserable statistic was put to bed.
“Obviously in the league it seems a very, very long time,” said Smith. “We drew Welling earlier on in the season and we beat them in the FA Cup so it was a very long time in coming.
“We’ve had near chances and not taken those chances but we put a collective performance from a group of players that we’ve just got in and they did brilliantly and I think they deserved that win.”
Smith added: “It wipes that one clean and we can now just move on and look forward.
“This month we’ve got so many games and they are so many tough games in there so that win was very much needed, especially with the teams around us getting wins as well.”
Bromley have increased their playing budget to entice quality players to Hayes Lane to avoid the club’s fourth relegation in their proud 120 year history.
Smith paid tribute to Mr Dolke, saying, “He’s got to take a hell of a lot of credit because he’s actually dug deep. He’s given us the financial backing to go out and get these players and give the club and the team a hell of a chance of staying up.
“Being on the coaching side we’ve all appreciated what he’s done to do everything in his powers to keep this club and it’s down to us players.”
Bromley are presently sitting in 18th place in the Blue Square Bet (Conference) South table, with 32 points from 30 games.
Staines Town closed the gap on them to two points with a 4-2 home win over Welling United last Monday, a game that saw three red-cards being handed out by referee Ian Cooper. Two for Staines, and Welling’s central defender, Ben Martin.
Smith admitted he wanted his former club (Welling) to do their Kent rivals a favour.
“I think in this division, at the moment, you can’t expect anybody to get a result you want. Literally any result can come up,” said Smith.
“On Monday night we’d love Welling do us a favour against Staines but they didn’t but we said right from the beginning we can’t rely on anybody else. We have to rely on ourselves.
“At the same time we had our fingers crossed to do us a favour but they never did but we’ve got Welling, who will be like wounded animals on Saturday.”
Looking forward to the Kent derby at Park View Road, Smith said: “I know (Welling player-manager) Jamie Day really well and he’s done a fantastic job and they are doing fantastic.
“I had no regrets about going there but now I’m at Bromley and we’ve got our own things to fight for at the moment and I’m giving my all.
“Hopefully there will be a good crowd there. It’s always a decent pitch, hopefully the weather will be good. Fingers crossed, we can do ourselves justice.
“It’s going to be a tough game. I’m just on my way into training now. We’ll prepare for it knowing they’re not wanting to have that result (at Staines) as a last one and put that right straight away.
“Likewise we did so well (winning 3-0) at Weston-super-Mare away from home so it was another top team.
“We know how hard they’re going to be. They’re pushing in the play-off’s so they’re pushing for promotion so we’re preparing for a very, very difficult game. As long as we are prepared for that and we know what we’re coming into, we’ve got a chance.”
Smith said: “We don’t want to lose. We know it’s going to be a tough game. It’s a dog-fight. We have to win our battles and things like that.
“Staines had a fantastic result against Welling on Monday so they’re confidence is up. Likewise ours is after the performance and the result against Chelmsford.
“It’s going to be a cracking game but what I would like to say the Bromley supporters on Saturday were fantastic. They really got behind us. I think they went away happy and went away believing.
“We need the supporters’ between now and the end of the season to get behind the boys. The new players’ that have come in felt the support was unbelievable on Saturday.
“The fans have got a part to play but as players’ we have to give them something to cheer about.”
Meanwhile, South African, Tutu Henriques has now made 301 appearances for the Hayes Lane outfit.
The versatile player was first brought to the club by then manager Stuart McIntyre from Carshalton Athletic back in 2004.
A club statement which was published on the club’s website www.bromleyfc.net said: “With the exception of season 2008-2009 when he was in South African, he has been a valuable member of the first team squad, always rising to the occasion in whatever defensive or midfield position he has been asked to play.
“Tutu is the club’s longest serving member of the team and is popular amongst his colleagues and supporters alike and has been seen at the Football in the Community sessions coaching the youngsters when work commitments permit.”
Henriques has helped the club win two promotions in three seasons, rising from Ryman League Division One to Blue Square Bet South, which was gained in May 2007.
He has played in two FA Cup First Round ties for the club, against Gillingham in 2006 and Colchester United in 2010, whilst injury prevented a third appearance in this season’s tie at Leyton Orient.
He has collected Kent Senior Cup winners’ medals in 2006 and 2007, with a runners-up medal in the London Senior Cup in 2007.
Visit Bromley’s website: www.bromleyfc.net
Welling United v Bromley
Blue Square Bet South
Saturday 3rd March 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY
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