Cheek scores as Bromley held 1-1 by Boreham Wood in National League

BY JACK BURGESS

Bromley were held to a 1-1 draw at Hayes Lane by fellow National League play-off chasers Boreham Wood yesterday.

It was a nervous start by the Ravens defence and after just three minutes on-loan Charlton defender Deji Elerewe’s underhit backpass saw Lee Ndlovu one-on-one with goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook, with the Bromley stopper making a big early save.

Elerewe had another early scare shortly after his first error when he was outmuscled by Ndlovu, whose effort was again saved and George Broadbent was unable to convert the rebound from close range.

Bromley created their first opening of the game in the eighth minute when Louis Dennis played a fantastic ball behind the Boreham Wood defence to Corey Whitely, his shot was well saved by Nathan Ashmore and Ryan Stirk’s effort on the rebound was blocked.

After an uncomfortable first 25 minutes of the game, Bromley took the lead against the run of play through Michael Cheek. He controlled Louis Dennis’ drilled pass into the penalty area and slotted home to grab his 14th goal of the season.

Within 18 seconds of the restart the Wood drew level after catching out a sleeping Bromley defence. Ndlovu dodged past two Bromley defenders to drill home a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area.

Bromley came out of the blocks much quicker in the second half, and created their first opportunity when James Vennings found Dennis just inside the penalty area, he miscontrolled the ball before lashing over wildly.

The South London side failed to capitalise on their positive start to the second half and allowed Boreham Wood to get back into the game, with a defensive mix-up allowing George Marsh to latch on to the ball before knocking it past Charles-Cook and going down, but referee Ed Duckworth waved away the penalty appeals.

Erico Sousa almost scored a spectacular late winner on 83 minutes as he ran through on goal from his own half following a Bromley corner, but his effort was straight at Charles-Cook from the edge of the box.

Bromley had a gilt-edged chance to win it in the third minute of stoppage time. Substitute Adam Marriott missed a point-blank header, following a whipped cross from fellow substitute Harry Forster.

Bromley boss Andy Woodman was disappointed that his side could not get the a winner against a stubborn Boreham Wood defence.

“We kept pushing for that second goal,” he said. “But they are a tough team to break down. They’ve got the best defence in the league. We just couldn’t break them down, and that was the hardest bit.”

Woodman felt that there was only one side that came into the game pushing for a victory.

“It was hard out there today. It was dry and windy, so it was hard to play some football. They came for a draw and we were pushing for a winner but just couldn’t quite get it, although we managed to create some good chances.”

Despite being unable to pick up a victory the draw sees Bromley make it five games unbeaten, as the side look to build momentum in their hunt for a place in the play-offs.

“I’m very happy with the amount of chances that we’re creating, and I felt like the team is really pushing to get in (the play-offs),” said Woodman. “But there’s a lot of football still to be played

“People say there’s only four games left , but that’s a lot of games. A lot of twists and turns still to come, so hopefully we can get ourselves in there right at the last minute. That would be great.”

Bromley are away to in-form Gateshead next and will be looking to get a much needed win in their play-off bid, but Woodman is wary of the threat that they possess.

“They’re a decent team, so that will be a tough game,” he said. “I just hope they get a result in the week and they’ve got their cigars out ready for Wembley (FA Trophy final) – that would be nice.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD