CHEEK THE DIFFERENCE IN RAVENS VICTORY
A MICHAEL Cheek goal on the stroke of half-time separated undefeated Bromley and Boreham Wood. Perhaps coming against the general run of play in the first half, Cheek’s strike gave Bromley confidence going into the interval, leaving Boreham Wood frustrated at their lack of chances.
Bromley manager Neil Smith told The NLP: “I’ve just said to the boys that there are going to be a lot of teams coming here to be disruptive and break us down. That said, I felt we were outstanding defensively.”
Smith was left looking for a little more in attacking, however: “I’m pleased for Cheek to score again. That’s what we’ve brought him in to do”.
Early on Kane Smith’s 35-yarder was saved, before Jamal Fyfield blazed over from the corner of the six-yard box.
Josh Rees and Frankie Raymond had strikes blocked as Bromley looked to get a foothold in the game.
As half-time approached, the Ravens threatened through Luke Coulson. The exEbbsfleet man tried to lob David Gregory, but his effort was too low.
However, just seconds after two minutes of additional time were announced, Bromley struck. Ex-Boreham Wood man Reeco Hackett-Fairchild saw his low shot deflected to the back post, where Cheek tapped home.
After the break Sam Wood gave the ball away and Kabongo Tshimanga darted into the box, getting the better of Chris Wood. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, Frankie Raymond came to the rescue with a tackle.
Seconds later, Bromley presented the visitors with another opportunity, allowing Piero Mingoia to find Tshimanga in the box, but his goalbound effort was thwarted by an excellent Mark Cousins save.
Mingoia himself looked to equalise with half an hour left, but he sent his volley over the crossbar, failing to trouble Cousins.
Cousins was on hand again to deny Wood on 68 minutes, as another fine reaction save saw him tip Adam McDonnell’s angled drive on to the post.
Great play from Southend United loanee Michael Klass engineered another chance for Hackett-Fairchild, but this time he curled his effort wide.
Klass’ introduction had had an impact, and he drove at goal, but fired well wide.
Sorba Thomas then chested a throw-in and unleashed a dipping volley from 30 yards, but he too failed to hit the target.
Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard said: “We’ve come away to a team who are unbeaten so far and dominated the game, but lost. Unfortunately, at the moment we aren’t getting results. Everything between both 18-yard boxes was fantastic.”