Bromley 2-1 Dorking Wanderers

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

One defeat in sixteen games.

Has it ever been as good as this for Bromley in the National League?

In the last two games, with the relentless National League fixture schedule taking its toll, Bromley have looked a bit leggy. Even so, the Ravens have still found a way to win. 

How long can they keep the run going?

As ever, I reflect on The Good, The Bad and The Ugly from Bromley’s 2-1 last-gasp win at home to Dorking Wanderers.

Have a read and let me know your thoughts in the comments below

The Line-up vs Dorking Wanderers

The Good

Good sides win when they’re not at their best. 

It bears repeating that this is probably the best squad Andy Woodman has assembled since he arrived at the club. The quality in the squad depth is very impressive. 

For example, with Alex Kirk injured, Woodman was able to turn to Chin Okoli as a like-for-like replacement. Then, to create the right pattern and style of play for the match-up with Dorking, Woodman seamlessly swapped Sam Woods for Lewis Leigh. Quality for quality.

Also, consider the talent sitting in the stands. Jude Arthurs, James Vennings, Bim Pepple, Ryan Jones, Cole Kpekawa and Kido Taylor-Hart didn’t even make the bench. This flexibility and strength in depth has allowed Bromley to prepare for games with the knowledge that they can set up according to what is needed, as opposed to who is available.

We can quibble over whether strength in depth was the reason for the win over Dorking, but it has been a fundamental factor in the Ravens’ run of one defeat in sixteen games. 

For me, the quality of Bromley’s squad was evident in the Dorking game. Olufela Olomola had an off night, so Woodman brought on Louis Dennis. Lewis Leigh was on a yellow card and flirting with a second, so Sam Woods came on. Then, chasing the win rather than settling for a draw, Todd Miller replaced Josh Passley on the right flank.

I am not falling into the trap of saying Bromley’s impressive squad depth equates to a title challenge, but I think it gives them their best-ever shot at securing a home play-off spot at the season's end. 

The Bad

It wasn’t a vintage performance, but that doesn’t mean it was a bad one. 

On the balance of play, Dorking deserved a point. Yes, Bromley had the better chances and finished the match stronger than their opponents, but Dorking gave as good as they got and will be disappointed to come away with nothing.

Then again, you could say almost exactly the same thing about the Oxford City game on Saturday, and look who came away with the points there.

But that doesn’t mean there weren’t negatives in this game. 

I’ve already mentioned Olomola’s underwhelming performance, but Josh Passley will also look back on this game with a tinge of regret. His indecision and slip in the first half gave Dorking the lead, which could have been much more catastrophic than it turned out to be.

This is a reminder that even the most consistent players can make a crucial error. And given Bromley’s squad depth, errors are magnified tenfold because there’s someone chomping at the bit to take your shirt. In this team, even Josh Passley can’t take his position for granted.

The Ugly

Despite my claims about strength in depth, there were elements of the midfield performance that spoke to a level of fatigue. Let me land…

Ben Krauhaus and Corey Whitely have started every game that they’ve been fit for, and rightly so. Both have been integral to the attacking impetus of the side. But are there any like-for-like replacements in the squad? 

If this sounds like a nitpick it’s because it is. At times, the game felt like it needed freshening up in their area, but there were no natural replacements on the bench.

I’m not suggesting Andy Woodman needs to go out and bolster the midfield, but he hasn’t been afraid to mix it up in other areas of the pitch, so why skimp here?

Of course, you might say: “But, Mash, Corey Whitely scored a fantastic goal that won Bromley the match!” Yes, I concede that, but there’s a bit more nuance to the argument I’m making. 

Without rotation, how much longer can we expect Corey and Ben to put in match-winning performances in the middle of the park? Isn’t a drop-off inevitable? 

And if that drop-off happens, or injury strikes, what then? 

That aside, can we talk about Michael Cheek’s foul on Harrison Male - the key incident that led to the winning goal.

I’ve watched the incident back several times and I find it hard to believe it wasnt given. The referee was looking right at the incident.

Those who are better qualified than me please explain why Bromley were given the benefit of the doubt?

The only argument I can think of is that the referee adjudged that Male got to the ball first and the foul (it is a foul, right?) came afterwards so the ball was active and in play? Yep that really doesnt make sense to me either.

Dorking manager, Marc White was brutally honest in his post match reflection. Given his propensity to swear I’m actually surprised he didnt go in more on the subject.

Get at me in the comments below to let me know what you think about the above.

Match ratings

Grant Smith (7)

Josh Passley (6)

Chin Okoli (7)

Byron Webster (7)

Deji Elerewe (8)

Besart Topalloj (8)

Lewis Leigh (7)

Corey Whitely (8)

Ben Krauhaus (6)

Olufela Olomola (6)

Michael Cheek (7)

Subs:

Louis Dennis for Olufela Olomola for 61’ (7)

Sam Woods for Lewis Leigh 61’ (7)

Tom Miller for Josh Passley 76’ (7)

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Thanks for taking the time to read the match synopsis above.

Please note all photographs in this article are by Martin Greig - please follow him on Twitter here

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