Bromley through to last four of FA Trophy – and will discover semi-final opponent tomorrow
BY RYAN DUGGAN
Andy Woodman praised his “aggressive” Bromley side after their FA Trophy quarter final win against National League rivals Barnet yesterday.
The Ravens, who won the competition in 2022, piled the pressure on from the start with a speculative effort on the volley from Olufela Olomola striking the side netting just moments into the last-eight tie.
Bromley took the lead just one minute into the match courtesy of a Michael Cheek strike after Barnet were caught in possession when trying to play out from the back.
His close-range effort makes it 20 goals in all competitions for the 32-year-old, who was denied a second after his curled effort into the far corner got ruled out for offside.
Picture : Keith Gillard
“They made a mistake and we capitalised on it,” said Ravens boss Andy Woodman. “To get a goal so early was fantastic and settled everyone down so early.
“We wanted to start on the front foot, be aggressive in the press and show a lot of energy at the top of the pitch.”
Olomola doubled the lead midway through the second half after driving into the box from the left and wrong footing the goalkeeper with a drilled effort in the centre of the goal.
Former Wealdstone player Olomola looked a persistent threat throughout and came close to adding to his tally shortly afterwards as his chipped effort sailed just wide of the far post.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Picture : Keith Gillard
Meanwhile the visitors offered little in attack until late in the first half, as Gatlin O’Donkor did brilliantly to dispossess Byron Webster at the back before being denied by goalkeeper Grant Smith when bearing down on goal.
The packed away end had little to cheer about and were lucky to not see their side concede more when a Josh Passley corner narrowly evaded captain Webster at the back post.
“The boys worked very hard in the week making sure we play to our strengths and stopping them from playing to theirs,” said Woodman. “It doesn’t always work out like that, but I thought we executed our game-plan brilliantly today.”
The Ravens will find out their semi-final opposition when the draw takes place tomorrow.
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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