Bromley vs Cheltenham preview
It’s a clash of two middle-world dwellers as Bromley and Cheltenham end their seasons. Naturally, both sides will be looking to finish on a high.
Bromley could end 10th if they win, which would represent a fantastic first season in League Two.
Cheltenham could finish 12th, which would represent a season of consolidation after relegation from League One.
Whether Cheltenham fans feel that is a satisfactory end depends on whether they feel their three seasons in League One were a complete overachievement.
One of the reasons why Cheltenham have found themselves in mid-table purgatory is their defensive record. They have the fifth-worst goals-conceded ratio per match.
Only Carlisle, Morecambe, Accrington, and Newport have a worse record, and we know how weak those sides have been.
Mike Flynn will be fully aware of these issues and will undoubtedly be targeting defensive reinforcements in the off-season. Like Andy Woodman, he will be plotting a play-off charge for next season.
Going forward, Ethon Archer has been their standout attacker with 13 goal contributions in League Two. The former Kinetic Academy stablemate of Kamarl Grant has taken his League Two opportunity with aplomb and may well have attracted the attention of scouts from higher up the food chain.
Andy Woodman has been clear that he is slightly disappointed with the outcome of this season, this is despite Bromley getting to the FA Cup third round for the first time ever and eyeing up a tremendous finish in League Two.
It speaks to the high standards Andy sets and where he wants this football club to go.
I’ve been pretty vocal with the idea that I want some of our heroes to get a run out in the final game of the season, but at the same time, I don’t see Andy treating this game as anything other than a must-win. He will want that 10th-place finish if Colchester United drop points.
However, based on last week's second-half performance against Barrow, is it a stretch to think we could see a few of the second-half substitutes from the start?
And what of Louis Dennis? He has been a missing man the last month or so; possibly injured, possibly not. I am assuming this is the last time we will get to see Louis in a Bromley shirt. If we see him in a Bromley shirt.
Is there time for sentiment? I hope so.
Whatever happens, a long season is about to come to a close and frankly I’m happy. By this stage of the season I am always glad to see it come to an end. It's been a long one.
As ever, From Bromley with Love has tried to give you the best coverage, whether I’ve been at the games or not, but you forget at times how much the travelling and spending takes out of you, so a rest is welcome.
Thankfully, we can look back on a season full of highlights, but which was your favourite?
From Bromley with Love XI
Smith
Sowunmi Webster Elerewe
Imray Charles Thompson Odutayo
Whitely
Cheek Kabamba
Please note all match photographs in this article are by Martin Greig - please follow him on Instagram here
All articles are edited by Peter Etherington you can link to him here
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Robyn in a speech to the players on Tuesday night said he would to thank the three players whose contract won't be renewed, they were Fella, Myles and Louis. I spoke to Louis at the end and he said he was going to take a break before considering any offers. Players and Managers come and go but your team is your team in the end, I still remember some great players from the past, Malcolm Broadway, Graham Brenton and a player who is still my favourite to this day, Alan Scotting.
This one comes under the heading “Win or lose, hit the booze”. Whatever the result, we should be celebrating a hugely satisfying first season in EFL Div 2, and congratulating all involved. We MUST have the chance to publicly acknowledge any player who won’t be with us next season, they’ve all created Bromley FC history this season, and some (Sir Les of Dennis) are true legends.