TROPHY TRUMP CARDS AT IT AGAIN
BROMLEY made it to their third FA Trophy semi-final in seven seasons with victory over fellow National League high-flyers Barnet.
Michael Cheek’s first-minute opener put the Ravens in control early before strike partner Olufela Olomola added a second midway through the second half to wrap it up.
It was a victory that Ravens manager Andy Woodman felt was no more than his side deserved.
“Intensity has been the name of the game for a while now, and the lads have bought into it,” he said.
“We’ve upped it all around the club the boys have been coming in on Sundays and bought into what we’re all about, hard work and graft.
“That’s our mantra from now until the final ball is kicked this season. They deserve all the credit for that result today they were immense.”
A lightening opening saw Olomola smash a half-volley into the side netting inside the opening 30 seconds before Bromley took the lead just moments later, courtesy of Cheek.
Hesitant Barnet defending saw the Ravens’ top scorer seize on the loose ball to swivel and shoot past keeper Josh Keeley.
Cheek thought he had a second midway through the half when he again shot beyond Keeley but this time he was adjudged offside.
That let off seemed to wake Barnet up and they finally fashioned a few chances of their own at the back end of the half.
First, Gatlin O’Donkor profited from Byron Webster’s underhit backpass but he could not beat Grant Smith, who parried the ball away from danger.
Just before the half-time, Ben Wynter saw his backpost header hit the side netting although it appeared the header was goal bound but for a deflection off Callum Stead.
With his side chasing the game, Bees boss Dean Brennan introduced top scorer Nicke Kabamba at the break – later followed by high-profile signing Luke Freeman – but it was Bromley who scored next, midway through the half, to put the match beyond Barnet’s reach.
Olomola capitalised on an error in the Barnet defence before slaloming into the penalty area and finishing low beyond Keeley.
Olomola could have had a second moments later when reacting quickest to Smith’s long goal-kick but although he was able to dink the ball over Keeley it landed the wrong side of the post.
Ultimately, the 2021-22 Trophy winners did not need the buffer of a third goal as their backline held firm to record their third clean sheet in a row and ensure they are only 90 minutes away from a second Wembley final in three years.
Bees boss Brennan was sanguine afterwards, saying: “We’re disappointed to be out at the quarter-final stage but we came here with 10 players out injured, with our main backline out. But take no credit away from Bromley they deserved the victory and were the better team.”
STAR MAN: Idris Odutayo (Bromley)
ATT: 2,557
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: Alan Dale