Bromley win FA Trophy – Michael Cheek’s goal seals 1-0 win over Wrexham at Wembley
Bromley beat Wrexham to become the 2021-22 FA Trophy champions for the first time in their history after Michael Cheek’s goal midway through the second half at Wembley.
Andy Woodman’s side were denied at the same venue in May 2018 after losing 5-4 on penalties against Brackley Town – but went one better this time.
And this was the South London club’s first piece of silverware since winning the National League South title in 2014-15.
The Ravens were lucky not to be behind in the opening minutes when Billy Bingham’s incredible block denied Paul Mullin what looked to be a certain opener.
But five minutes later, Bromley came close. Cheek was left unmarked in the area, only for his header to be straight at Christian Dibble in the Wrexham goal.
Balls over the top were giving the Bromley backline a few problems and they nearly were behind again when Mullin set up Jordan Davies in the box but his strike was straight at Balcombe.
Bromley went close to opening the scoring twice early on in the second half, first Ali Al-Hamadi’s strike was smartly saved before Cheek’s effort was also dealt with.
The Ravens took the lead just past the hour mark – a superb bit of play from Corey Whitely set Cheek up from five yards out and he made no mistake.
Cheek nearly doubled the South London club’s lead a few minutes later, but he could not generate enough power on his header.
The chances were falling to Bromley and Cheek had another effort saved after Luke Coulson’s clever work down the right hand side.
Balcombe was the hero late on when he managed to keep out Jake Hyde’s point-blank header from three yards out.
Wrexham thought they had equalised at the death when the ball crept over the line but the linesman had his flag up for offside.
PICTURES: ROB AVIS