Charlton Athletic defender a play-off matchwinner for Bromley to set up Chesterfield semi-final clash
Deji Elerewe is confident that Bromley can go all the way in the National League play-offs after his goal set up a trip to Chesterfield on Sunday.
The Ravens won 2-1 at Woking on Wednesday night in the elimination round of the play-offs and next up is a one-legged semi-final in Derbyshire at the Technique Stadium.
Rohan Ince’s ferocious strike from the edge of the box put Woking into a 13th minute lead but the South Londoners levelled on the hour mark through the prolific Michael Cheek, pictured below.
The striker scored his 16th of the season from the penalty spot.
Centre-back Elerewe, on loan from Charlton, produced the decisive moment after Omar Sowunmi’s long throw caused panic in the Cards penalty area, his header looped over keeper Will Jaaskelainen in the 77th minute.
Asked if Bromley could upset a Chesterfield side who finished third in the final standings and with an extra 13 points on the board than their opponents, Elerewe told BT Sport: “No reason. We’re a good side – driven and hungry. We’re going all the way.
“It’s my second goal of the season – buzzing.”
Cheek added: “We were the better team on the night. We turned up and the crowd did as well.
“I missed my last penalty, so I was just glad to see it hit the back of the net.”
Bromley boss Andy Woodman reckoned Elerewe’s goal was down to adopting the approach of champions Wrexham as they extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
“They don’t score from the initial throw – it is the second ball and the second contact,” he said. “Where we were concentrating on the initial throw, we’ve gone for the second contact now and it’s nice when it pays off.
“Deji is a great kid. He’s come into here and bought into us. I’m delighted for him, you couldn’t meet a more honest young man.
“We’ve got a very young team. I say it to them all the time, and sometimes I don’t think they believe me: ‘I want it for them’. I want them to experience this, for them. I’ve had my career as a player and as a coach, at the higher levels. I want these boys to succeed, I’m so chuffed for them.
“These young boys are hungry and they want it. And if they are not good enough on the day, they will hold their hands up. I’ll have that, any day of the week.
“We never give up and we go right until the end. I’ve got a group of players who trust each other and they trust the staff – you can’t buy that in any dressing room. If you’ve got that, you will get success.”
The match at Chesterfield kicks off at 5.30pm and will be live on BT Sport.
PICTURES: MARTIN GREIG