‘It was like I was talking Swahili!’ – Bromley boss fumes at his players failing to follow half-time instructions

Andy Woodman accused his Bromley players of not following his orders in their 2-1 loss at Carlisle United on Saturday, writes Richard Cawley.

The Ravens are 12th in League Two after slipping up to the club rock bottom of the standings.

Harry McKirdy had equalised for Bromley at Brunton Park but Callum Whelan restored the hosts’ lead in the 54th minute.

“We should’ve been two or three down at half-time,” said Ravens boss Woodman. “Then we get a goal to go in 1-1 at half-time – it’s a lifeline.

“It was almost like I was talking Swahili at half-time to the lads. They did their own thing again in the second half. It’s mental and I’m absolutely fuming.

“Carlisle fought for every ball, ran for every ball and caused us problems. I can’t stress it enough – there are margins in these games whether you are a team at the top or the bottom. If you don’t turn up or are slightly off it then you are going to get beaten.

“We were very poor in the first 25 minutes and they could’ve been out of sight.

“We don’t half make it hard for ourselves. It is a huge pitch – play in their half. But we kept trying to play balls in our own half and we gave them territory.

“We went a little away from what we are and that worries me a little bit. I’ve vented my frustrations in the dressing room. I know we all want to turn the page but let’s remember what we are – we’re a team that works hard and battles for everything.

“That is a minimum and we had too many players off it.

“We’re not a team blessed with lots of goals from all over the pitch and you could see why in this match. We had some really good chances and there was enough there to win the game – but I don’t think we deserved a result.”

It was the first time that Carlisle had won a league game against a London side in 13 attempts, since a 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon in September 2022. They also ended a six-match winless home run, drawing three, prior to the visit of Bromley.

The Ravens host Salford City on Saturday.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD