The lowdown on Bromley 2 Walsall 2 – Ravens twice pinned back in draw against League Two leaders 

BY MARK DOIG

Bromley bounced back from their disappointing defeat at Tranmere Rovers with a very good point in a match that they more than shaded against Walsall at Hayes Lane on Thursday evening.

Here is Mark Doig’s lowdown on the match.

THE LINE-UPS

Bromley: Smith, Grant (McKirdy 46), Elerewe, Webster, Major, Arthurs, Charles (Dennis 88), Congreve (Ilunga 74), Thompson, Whiteley, Cheek (Kabamba 88). Subs not used: Long, Sowunmi, Odutayo.

Walsall: Hornby, Barrett, McEntee, Okagbue, Weir, Gordon, Jellis, Comley, Allen, Matt, Harrison (Amantchi 19). Subs not used: Simkin, Williams, Adomah, Lakin, Stirk, Wheatley.

SNAPSHOT OF THE GAME

Bromley took the lead in each half through brilliant goals by Ben Thompson and Harry McKirdy, but Walsall claimed a point with close range equalisers by Levi Amantchi and Jamille Matt.

TACTICAL APPROACH

Bromley made two changes from the team that lost at Tranmere, lining up with four at the back and two holding midfielders against a team who played with a back five and a very direct style. Although Andy Woodman made four changes during the match, the Ravens kept their shape even if it meant moving people around.

STAR MAN

Byron Webster. The captain battled all night against two huge strikers and a bombardment from long throws and long, high passes forward.

BEST MOMENT

Harry McKirdy’s goal. As good as Ben Thompson’s strike was for Bromley’s first goal, the brilliant pass by Michael Cheek and the exquisite lob by substitute McKirdy brought about a goal that was a thing of beauty.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

When Walsall scored their first equaliser just before half time it had to be former Raven, Levi Amantchi, who hooked it home. In 18 league games for the Ravens, the striker was unable to achieve that feat.

A TALKING POINT DOWN THE PUB

Those with their glass half full will be delighted that their team claimed a point from the league leaders and outplayed them for large parts of the game. However, the glass half empty customers will rue their team leading twice and not going on to win it.

WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY

“Were we disappointed with the goals we conceded? I don’t think there’s any doubt about that, but that said, I thought we were very good for the win. They’re top of the table for a reason, and twice they’ve ground out results against us.”

PICTURE: ALAMY