Emotional Bromley boss Andy Woodman: We will bounce back from National League play-off defeat

Bromley’s dreams of promotion to League Two were ended by a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Chesterfield yesterday in their National League play-off semi-final.

The Ravens took the lead in first-half injury-time through Adam Marriott.

But Charlton loanee Deji Elerewe scored an own goal to level the tie before he was shown a straight red for a challenge on Liam Mandeville.

Darren Oldaker put the hosts ahead in the 79th minute before Michael Cheek’s 17th goal of the season – nine minutes into stoppage time – took the match into extra-time.

Mandeville struck the clincher in the 102nd-minute.

A clearly emotional Bromley boss Andy Woodman told the club’s YouTube channel: “Chesterfield were the better team, I don’t like to admit that.

“We stayed in the game. We got a goal against the run of play. But it was a big ask to go away to Woking on Wednesday and have one less day to recover and come here away. It is a big tough challenge for any team – not just Bromley.

Disappointed but incredibly proud of the boys and another post season ending. The Resilience of the group and there work ethic has been admirable. We are on an exciting journey and we will be beck again. Good luck to Chesterfield int he final. Thank you for all your support.

— Alan Dunne (@alandunne2) May 7, 2023

“We looked like it was one game too many for us.

“How proud are we of our team? They just didn’t give up. When we lost Deji and got it 2-2 I was just praying we can get to penalties and then you don’t know what is going to happen. It wasn’t to be.

“I’m gutted for the fans and in that dressing room they (the players) are absolutely devastated. You can tell I’m gutted.

“Chesterfield are a top, top team with riches we can only dream of and are trying to get to.

Football is so cruel sometimes and today was one of them days. We left it all on the pitch and sadly it wasn’t meant to be. Massive shoutout to the fans they been unreal all season , we go again next season😒⚽️ @bromleyfc

— Jude Arthurs (@judearthurs00) May 7, 2023

“We will bounce back. I’m not done yet. I’ve been given the opportunity to be a manager and I’m making sure I take full advantage of the position I’m in.

“I’m going to reflect a little bit on the season and some of the things that happened. But then we will come back and make sure this club is challenging again.”