GULLS LEFT FRUSTRATED BY RESILIENT RAVENS
NATIONAL League leaders Torquay United saw their lead at the top of the table cut to two points as they were held to a goalless draw by play-off chasing Bromley.
Despite creating a host of chances, the
Gulls couldn’t break down a resolute Ravens’ side, who are now one point adrift of the top seven – and now manager Gary Johnson is focusing his attentions on next
Sunday’s showdown with Stockport County.
“You have to tell them (the players) where they might have done a little bit better – it was a long time before we got any real part of our game going,” said Johnson. “We will look forward to going to Stockport because if you’re going to win the league you’ve got to beat the best teams.”
His opposite number Andy Woodman was proud of his side’s showing as they followed up their Bank Holiday Monday win over Hartlepool United with a point and clean sheet here.
“It was a good point and we got the clean sheet that we wanted. They (Torquay) are top of the league for a reason and we’ve gone toe-totoe with them and I’m really proud of the players,” said Woodman.
The Gulls were unlucky not to take the lead on three minutes when Ben Wynter picked out Scott Boden who attempted a looping shot
from an angle that bounced back off the post – with Bromley keeper Mark Couslater, ins beaten.
Two minutes Luke Coulson teed up Jude Arthurs for a shot that hit the side netting for the visitors – as they began to take control of the proceedings.
United then began to edge their way back into the game as Jake Andrews was twice denied by Cousins in quick succession in the 22nd and 23rd minutes respectively.
Four minutes before the break, the Gulls had a penned alty appeal turned down for a challenge on Billy Waters before winning a succession of corners that they failed to
take full advantage of.
Both sides continued to cancel each other out in the second half and Johnson attempted to freshen things up with a double substitution on 62 minutes as Waters and Andrews made way for Benji Kimpioka and Armani Little.
Three minutes later, Little almost made an immediate impact as his corner kick was headed narrowly wide by Sam Sherring.
In the 67th minute, Boden connected with another corner from Little, but could only head into the side netting as United continued to apply the pressure.
Two minutes later, Adam Randell teed up Kimpioka for a shot which was gathered easily by Cousins.
Bromley sub Frankie Raymond almost caught out United keeper Lucas Covolan with an in-swinging freekick from deep which Covolan palmed behind. From the resulting corner from Raymond, Charlie Fox headed over for the visitors.
However, there was to be no goal in ‘Gary time’ for the Gulls as Kimpioka was again denied another late Torquay winner by an inspired Cousins with just four minutes to go. STAR MAN: Liam Trotter (Bromley) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Tom Reeves