Bromley unable to upset Blackpool in FA Cup first round

Bromley’s 78-year wait for a place in the FA Cup second round goes on after they fell to a 2-0 defeat against League One Blackpool at Hayes Lane yesterday.

Ravens boss Andy Woodman made three changes from their 1-0 win in the National League win at Woking with Jude Arthurs, Olufela Olomola and Lewis Leigh dropping out and Sam Wood, Louis Dennis and Ben Krauhaus coming in.

Bromley could not have had a worse start, conceding within the first five minutes courtesy of a superb finish from Shayne Lavery, who latched on to a Kylian Kouassi pass to finish into the top right-hand corner.

Blackpool continued to heap pressure on the Bromley goal for the first 15 minutes, with Karamoko Dembele providing constant problems to the non-league outfit’s left side of defence.

Bromley had their first foray at the Blackpool defence in the 16th minute. Corey Whitely found himself one on one with Rich O’Donnell before going down under pressure from incoming defenders but referee David Rock waived away any appeals for a penalty.

Bromley almost found an equaliser on 19 minutes but Josh Passley’s cross was diverted inches wide by Whitely.

After a much-improved period from Bromley, Blackpool added a second against the run of play when Dembele danced past some of their hosts’ defenders, played a one-two with Kouassi and produced a clinical finish past Grant Smith.

On-loan Charlton defender Deji Elerewe came close on 36 minutes after firing wide following a goalmouth scramble via a free-kick from Krauhaus.

Bromley made one change at the break with Olomola replacing Dennis.

The second half started with Bromley looking to exert more pressure on Blackpool,  which they did for the first 20 minutes of the second half without testing O’Donnell.

On 68 minutes Bromley created their first meaningful effort of the second period. Byron Webster’s fantastically-weighted diagonal was brought down by Krauhaus and he laid the ball off for Olomola, who lashed the ball well over the bar.

There was much more intensity and zip to Bromley’s game in the final 20 minutes. Krauhaus swung in a perfectly corner but Elerewe headed over on 75 minutes.

Bromley were presented with a golden opportunity just two minutes from time, Michael Cheek missed from close range after he pounced on O’Donnell’s initial save.

After a disappointing start to the match, Bromley showcased a spirited performance in the second half against a Blackpool side that were playing in the Championship last season.

When asked by the South London Press what he felt went wrong for his side on the day, Woodman said: “They punished us with a couple of moments early doors and knocked the wind out of our sails a little bit.

“Second half we had a go, which I was more chuffed about. They showed quality in moments and we didn’t. That was the difference really.”

Woodman was asked whether he felt his side felt the pressure of causing a famous FA Cup upset and whether that played a role in their slow start.

He said: “I don’t think it was so much that. The first goal really killed us. If you can get through that first 20 minutes, then create and get a bit of confidence in the game.

“But for them to score after five minutes takes the pressure off them, and puts the pressure on us to not concede another one, which we did.”

Bromley’s next match is away to Boreham Wood on Saturday (3pm).

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD