Bromley secure Football League promotion for the first time after National League play-off final shootout win over Solihull Moors
Bromley are in the Football League for the first time in their history after a penalty shootout National League play-off final win over Solihull Moors.
The Ravens went close in quick succession early on, with Louis Dennis and Idris Odutayo both drilling shots wide of Nick Hayes’ goal.
Neither side created any clear-cut chances in a tight contest at Wembley, but Woodman’s side took the lead five minutes before the end of the half when Michael Cheek won the ball off Solihull defender Alex Whitmore inside the area and kept his composure to net his 22nd goal of the season.
Solihull equalised two minutes into the start of the second 45 when Tahvon Campbell took aim from the edge of the box. Grant Smith got down well to deny the initial effort, but Joe Sbarra followed in to bring the game level.
Andy Woodman’s side regained the lead in the 58th minute after Cheek was brought down inside the area by Solihull keeper Hayes. The 32-year-old dispatched the resulting spot kick to put Bromley within touching distance of the Football League.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Alex Kirk was presented with an opportunity early into extra time when he he cut onto his left foot inside the area but the Arsenal loanee shanked his effort wide.
Kirk then went close again when he crashed a header off the crossbar from a corner.
The defender went inches from putting Bromley back ahead in the 23rd minute when he crashed a shot from just inside the box off Hayes’ post.
Picture : Keith Gillard
The game went to penalties and Bromley got off to a dream start after Grant Smith saved the first two spot kicks from Solihull and Cheek fired his effort past Hayes.
Ashley Charles missed for the Ravens, but Bromley regained their advantage in the shootout, and ex-Millwall Skipper Byron Webster scored the winning penalty as they ended a 132-year wait for EFL football.
Picture : Keith Gillard
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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