Bromley deserve first National League play-off win – Andy Woodman’s call to rest players in previous game paid off

BY MARK DOIG

Michael Cheek and Deji Elerewe scored the goals at Woking that helped Bromley win their first ever National League play-off game.

Although Woking finished 11 points higher than the Ravens and they had home advantage, Andy Woodman’s team came into the game in better form.

Having already secured a place in the play-offs, Woodman rested his senior players in their final league match at Oldham and it showed as they were far sharper from the first to last minutes.

Birmingham City loanee Ryan Stirk was behind most of Bromley’s good moves as they started to create opportunities immediately. Cheek had the visitors’ first effort with a header that was turned round the post by Will Jaaskelainen then Elerewe headed straight at the Woking goalkeeper when well placed.

Louis Dennis had a low shot saved after a training ground short-corner routine presented the opportunity and Jaaskelainen was forced into a hurried clearance when Stirk’s clever through ball almost put Dennis in on goal again.

Totally against the run of play, Woking went ahead in the 13th minute. Josh Casey’s throw in was shielded by Marcus Dackers before his shot was blocked. However, it came out to Rohan Ince and he rifled it home from the edge of the penalty area.

Dennis had another chance when picked out by Stirk but could only direct his effort straight at Jaaskelainen before Callum Reynolds’ miscued shot struck a surprised Cheek and flew into the arms of the Woking goalkeeper.

Cheek headed wide before he was thwarted by a great save by Jaaskelainen with Casey making a brave block to keep out Kellen Fisher’s follow-up.

After the half-time break, the Cardinals showed a little more enterprise and Dackers saw his first time effort fly wide.

An injury to Dennis resulted in him being replaced by substitute Adam Marriott before Woking came close to doubling their lead. Omar Sowumni made a brilliant block from Padraig Amond. It came back out to him and his curling effort looked bound for the far corner only for Reice Charles-Cook to dive full length to turn it around the post.

That proved to be the defining moment as the Ravens levelled on the hour mark. Dan Moss made a reckless challenge on Corey Whiteley just inside the penalty area and referee Lewis Smith pointed to the spot. Although there could be no real doubt about the award, Woking delayed the taking of it for as long as they could. It didn’t seem to affect Cheek, though, and Bromley’s leading scorer sent Jaaskelainen the wrong way to convert.

There was only going to be one winner after that and it came as no surprise when the visitors went ahead with 13 minutes remaining. Up until that point, the hosts had defended Sowumni’s long throws well. However, on this occasion they failed to clear and it came to Elerewe who floated a header inside the far post before running to celebrate in front of the travelling Bromley supporters.

Although the hosts tried to throw men forward, the Bromley defence mopped up their best efforts and Charles-Cook was not troubled again.

Woodman will now prepare his team for a visit to Chesterfield on Sunday with a play-off decider at Wembley awaiting the victors.

PICTURE: MARTIN GREIG