NEWBY SAVES ROBINS’ DAY!
IT WAS honours even at Hayes Lane as two of the National League’s promotion chasers played out a breathtaking draw in front of the TNT Sports cameras.
A first-half goal from Alex Newby gave Altrincham the lead but an eventful second 45 saw both sides receive red cards and an Olufela Olomola double inside seven minutes that turned the game on its head.
But the Robins earned a point in the second minute of time added on when Newby got his double with a brilliant free-kick.
“In one respect it was a good point, in another it was a bad one but the key thing is Altrincham havent gained any ground on us,” said Bromley boss Andy Woodman.
“They were delighted with the point and really celebrated it and it tells you how far we have come as a club. Ultimately though it was our lack of cutting edge, we didn’t take our chances despite outplaying them on the day.”
The Ravens missed three glorious chances in the opening ten minutes and were duly punished when a quick counter ended with Marcus Dackers playing in Chris Conn-Clarke and he made no mistake with a finish beyond Grant Smith, although it was Newby who got the final touch.
A defensive rearguard action saw Altrincham go into the break with the goal lead but Elliott Osborne’s sending off early in the second half handed Bromley the initiative.
A long throw into the penalty area found its way through to Olomola and the striker made no mistake with finish low through the legs of Ross.
Bromley’s man advantage only lasted 10 minutes as Jude Arthurs was next to see red, a reckless challenge in the middle of the field gave referee Michael Barlow no other option.
Yet it was the home side who reacted better to that sending off with Besart Topalloj finding Olomola, who neatly controlled before smashing a fine finish past Ross.
Sub Lewis Leigh, twice, and Ben Krauhaus sent shots wide before Altrincham sub Dior Angus smashed an effort against the crossbar.
And the Robins were to get the last laugh deep into added-on time – Newby’s sumptious free-kick ensuring a share of the spoils.
Altrincham manager, Phil Parkinson said: “We bought Matty Kosylo, Regan Linney and Dior Angus on and really went for it and got our rewards at the end. To get that draw will feel loss to them and a win to us. It was a brilliant, brilliant free-kick.” ★★★★★