Bromley one win away from Wembley return in FA Trophy – but boss Andy Woodman remaining grounded

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Andy Woodman has told his Bromley players to stay grounded after they secured their spot in the FA Trophy semi-final after a 2-0 win over National League rivals Barnet on Saturday.

The Ravens went ahead in the first minute following a strike from Michael Cheek, who netted his 20th of the season.

Bromley doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Olufela Olomola to book their place in the last four.

The Ravens are scrapping it out with Barnet for second place in the league. It is a question of when, not if, runaway leaders Chesterfield are crowned champions.

Bromley have juggled their league commitments with the FA Trophy – Woodman led them to glory in that competition in 2022 after defeating Wrexham 1-0 at Wembley.

They will host Solihull Moors in the semi-final on April 6.

“We shouldn’t get too carried away,” Woodman told the South London Press.

“We still have to play Barnet once in the league and we might end up playing them somewhere along the line in the play-offs.

“They are a really good team.

“What was pleasing was that we kept them down to a minimal amount of efforts and my team were really aggressive in the press.

“It’s nice to psychologically get a win against them at this stage against a close rival.

“This is a cup that, for certainly myself, means a lot to me – it was the first bit of silverware I won as a manager.

“I try to keep the same emphasis and pressure on the team to make sure they go and perform.

“We know how important it is for the football club and the town of Bromley to get everyone something to smile about. For us to be in the semi-finals, it’s a great achievement.

“To lift it once was amazing, so to potentially lift it so soon again would also be amazing .

“We have still got to get there. We’re not even thinking about lifting the trophy yet, we’re just thinking about the five league games we have got before that trophy match.”

Ben Krauhaus joined Premier League side Brentford in the January window – becoming the first player to move to the top-flight from Bromley – and was loaned back to Hayes Lane for the rest of the campaign.

The 19-year-old signed a five-year deal with the Bees and was sold for a club-record outgoing fee.

Krauhaus – a winger by trade – has been playing in a midfield two for the majoirty of the season.

Crystal Palace and Wolves were also linked with a move for the academy graduate, who will join Brentford’s B team at the end of the campaign.

“He’s going to be a really good attacking eight,” said former Crystal Palace and Newcastle goalkeeper coach Woodman. “Ben has been brilliant. I was delighted he got his move because I want all these boys to play at the highest level.

“It’s a credit to him that he got his move. But it’s an even bigger credit to Ben that since he has made the move, he has been even more focused in the job in hand here at Bromley.

“He hasn’t taken his foot off the pedal. I’m chuffed for him and for the way he has been even more professional to continue the job with us. I like to see the young players getting their careers on the road. I like to see them progress and go on to better things.

“It’s nice that I have developed a reputation as a manager who isn’t scared to promote young players and get their careers up and running.

“It’s all about the boys having their careers. If they’re good enough, they’re old enough.”