The lowdown on Bromley 2 AFC Wimbledon 0 – Ravens continue perfect League Two start with historic Hayes Lane win

Bromley continued their perfect start to life in League Two with a 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in a historic first EFL victory at Hayes Lane on Saturday afternoon,

Here is Edmund Brack’s lowdown on the match from Hayes Lane: 

THE LINE-UPS

AFC Wimbledon: Goodman, Furlong (Tilley 77), Johnson, Lewis, Ogundere, Neufville, Smith, Reeves, Ball (Hippolyte 63), Stevens (Kelly 63), Bugiel (63).

Not used: Ward, Maycock, O’Toole, 

Bromley: Smith, Reynolds, Grant, Webster, Imray (Sowunmi 77), Odutayo, Congreve (Dinanga 63), Charles, Arthurs, Whitely, Cheek (Amantchi 86).

Not used: Long, Leigh,, Topalojj, Olomola. 

SNAPSHOT OF THE GAME

Wimbledon had more of the ball around the Bromley penalty area, but with his first sight of goal, Michael Cheek slotted an effort into the bottom left-hand corner just after the half hour mark.

The Ravens went further ahead 14 minutes into the start of the second half, with Corey Whitely doubling the advantage. 

Crystal Palace loanee Danny Imray played a huge part in the goal – driving forward from his own half and gliding past Wimbledon defenders to set up the goal.

Bromley’s second put them firmly in control, with Byron Webster managing the side on the pitch to see out the first EFL home win.

Wimbledon were unable to conjure the same attacking adventure as they were in the 4-2 win over Colchester on the opening day.

TACTICAL APPROACH

A very much like-for-like between two sides who both defend with five at the back and attack with leaving three defenders behind.

Crystal Palace loanee Danny Imray was up against Wimbledon’s James Furlong and former Fulham youngster Idris Odutayo was up against Josh Neufville – it would be a battle that settled that match.

Alistair Smith once again impressed for Wimbledon, with his height and physicality seeing Johnnie Jackson’s side edge the midfield battle.

But Jude Arthurs put himself about and looked to win the ball back for the hosts.

It was an attritional game, with very few clear-cut chances, but when Bromley saw a sight of a goal, they took their efforts. 

STAR MAN: Danny Imray

Great driving run forward for the second goal.

The 21-year-old picked up the ball in his own half and drove past a handful of Wimbledon bodies to cross low for Whitely to score.

Imray hit the ground running on his EFL debut at Harrogate last week, coming on as a first-half substitute, and he impressed even more on his first start.

Grew in confidence during the game and was rewarded with a large round of applause from his new fans when he was taken off in the 77th minute.

BEST MOMENT: Michael Cheek netting again

The 32-year-old has taken like a duck to water with life in League Two.

Scored on his EFL debut at Harrogate last week and put Bromley ahead in their historic first EFL game at Hayes Lane.

Cheek won the ball in the centre of the pitch and drove forward to finish off the counter-attacking move.

He only needed one real sniff of goal to score.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

For Wimbledon fans, it was easy to tell early on that matching up man for man against Bromley would play straight into the home side’s advantage.

The triple substitution in the 63rd minute could have seen a change of formation for the final 25 minutes of normal time, but Wimbledon plugged away with the same system that never looked like producing a goal.

A TALKING POINT DOWN THE PUB: What can Bromley do in League Two?

It has been a flawless start to Bromley’s League Two life.

While boss Andy Woodman will not be getting carried away, he could not have wished for a better start in the EFL.

The Ravens have picked up their first wins at home and away from Hayes Lane.

Michael Cheek has bagged in consecutive games, and the defence has kept back-to-back clean sheets.

All the loanees, Cameron Congreve, Danny Imray and Kamarl Grant, have all settled in well.

It is just a small sample size, but so far so good for Bromler.

WHAT THE BOSS’ HAD TO SAY

Johnnie Jackson: “It was exactly what I was expecting – we knew they would put it on us and make us defend.

“They’re streetwise in what they’re doing. It was an even game. Small moments have decided it. 

“They took their moments. We had some really good situations we didn’t make the most of. “

Andy Woodman: “We have had to graft in both games and be professional and workmanlike, which we are.

“I’m delighted with the result and the clean sheets, but we’re not getting carried away.

“It’s very early doors. We’re taking care of our business.”