IT’S FALLEN ANGELS AS RAVENS HIT THE SPOT
BIG guns Bromley claimed a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy – but they were pushed all the way by National League South Tonbridge Angels who were reduced to ten men on 73 minutes.
New signing Palace Francis but the Ravens in front nine minutes from time but the Angels, despite being reduced to ten men following the sending off of Harry Hudson, restored parity two minutes from time through Joe Turner.
That set up a dramatic penalty shoot out in front of a bumper crowd of 2,061 at Longmead which Andy Woodman’s Ravens prevailed 3-2.
“I thought we were a bit lucky today,” Woodman admitted. “Huge credit must go to Tonbridge who will be disappointed they haven’t gone through.”
In contrast, Angels boss Steve McKimm was left ruing his luck but said he could have expected no more from his side.
He said: “I’m very proud of my players in the way they’ve taken a full time side all the way through to the lottery of a penalty shoot out.
“The players are down at the moment but they shouldn’t be as they have given our great support plenty to cheer about.”
A somewhat cagey first half hardly did much to inspire the spectators with caution the main aim for both sides.
James Alabi and Jack Cawley went closest for Bromley with efforts which flew just over Jonathan Henly’s bar, while Tom Beere suffered the same fate with Tonbridge’s solitary first-half opportunity.
The second half started in much the same vein with chances at a premium. Turner’s effort was brilliantly saved by Bromley keeper Ellery Balcombe before Craig Braham-Barrett combined with Tommy Wood whose cross just eluded the on rushing Turner.
Tonbridge by this stage were improving and starting to ask questions of their National League visitors.
George Burn, who replaced injured referee James Durkin, was then involved in a controversial incident when Alabi brought down Hudson, who retaliated before being shown a straight red card.
Substitute Francis made them pay by putting Bromley in front on 81 minutes after being put through by Luke Coulson.
But, buoyed by the crowd, Angels rallied again and found away through on 88 minutes with Turner latching onto a fumble from keeper Balcombe following a corner to slot home.
Turner again shot wide as Angels pressed for the winner, while Bromley substitute Chris Bush almost put through his own goal.
It took penalties to separate them but Tonbridge’s luck ran out, missing three penalties it was left to Coulson to score the decisive kick.