Bromley vs Salford City preview

Mar 29, 2025

Eight games remain and time is running out for both Bromley and Salford City.

A point separates the two sides, and although they sit in 12^th and 10^th respectively, there is a sense that if either side really has play-off ambitions then they have to win today.

Both teams have been deeply inconsistent in recent weeks. Salford have five points from their last possible eighteen while Bromley have collected seven. This is hardly the form of two realistic last-gasp play-off contenders.

It probably reflects exactly what both sides are: upwardly mobile but without the X-factor needed to make a serious dent.

Given Salford finished in 20^th place last season, a top-10 finish would be a step in the right direction in what is effectively Karl Robinson’s first full season in charge.

When Bromley travelled to Salford in February, fans were treated to a memorable 3-3 draw at Moor Lane. In that game, on a terrible pitch, Bromley squandered a three-goal lead in the second half and had to settle for a point.

Despite the goal glut in that match, Salford arrive at Hayes Lane with their ‘goals scored’ column looking like a clear Achilles heel. Only the relegation strugglers have scored fewer.

Cole Stockton and Hakeeb Adelakun lead the way with nine apiece, but it feels like Salford are a goal-getter away from being a play-off side.

That said, the stats suggest they have a play-off-worthy defence, which makes February’s six-goal thriller all the more baffling.

Further statistical digging reveals that Salford are the fifth-best side in the league when it comes to possession. However, relegation-threatened MK Dons and Carlisle United are second and fourth in that table. As Andy often says, what good is possession if you aren’t being effective with it?

Bromley have been their own worst enemy in recent weeks. A commendable 2-2 draw with Walsall live on Sky Sports was sandwiched by two subpar performances away at relegation candidates Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle United.

Those defeats have taken the wind out of Bromley’s postseason sails. While they’re not mathematically out of the play-off conversation, realistically, the target has probably shifted towards having the best possible end to the season.

Andy Woodman will be boosted by the return of Kamarl Grant, Carl Jenkinson, Danny Imray, and Cameron Congreve, so I expect some significant changes for this game.

A lot depends on the match fitness of the first three, but I think it’s likely we will see at least two changes from the team that played against Carlisle United.

The biggest selection dilemma for me is how Bromley get Danny Imray back into the side. If he’s ready to play 90 minutes, does Andy use him on the right wing or at right-back?

Harry McKirdy has two goals in two, so it would be tough to leave him out. Could they both play, with Danny as an auxiliary right back? The dual threat of a McKirdy-Imray wing attack would certainly make for a great card trick, but is defensive solidity more important?

That move would free up Corey Whitely to go back into the #10 role and add his energy at the top of the pitch, but then which central midfielder misses out?

Speaking of midfielders, George Penn has been recalled from his loan at Cray Wanderers. Does Andy have the academy graduate in mind for Bromley’s run-in?

These selection headaches are the reason Andy Woodman is manager and I’m not. But, one way or another, difficult decisions need to be made and three points need to be got.

Have a look at what I would do. Do you agree?

From Bromley with Love XI

Smith

Imray Elerewe Webster Mayor

Charles Thompson

McKirdy Whitely Congreve

Cheek

From Bromley with love

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