‘They must have thought it was Christmas’ – Bromley boss left disappointed with defending in Tranmere defeat

Andy Woodman said his Bromley side gifted Tranmere all three points in their 2-1 defeat at home on Saturday afternoon.

The Ravens had a handful of chances in the first 10 minutes – Danny Imray and Ben Thompson both got close to opening the scoring.

Olufela Olomola should have put Woodman’s side ahead after Imray crossed low from the right-hand side. However, the striker put his effort over the bar from right in front of Luke McGee’s goal.

Bromley stopper Grant Smith was called into action for the first time in the 35th minute when he clawed Connor Jennings’ goal-bound effort from the edge of the box away from goal. 

Woodman’s side continued to dominate but were unable to find the breakthrough at the start of the second half – Idris Odutayo and Lewis Leigh both going close.

Omari Patrick punished Bromley’s missed opportunities in the 75th minute when the former Sutton forward chased down a long ball and poked past Smith into the bottom corner.

Substitute Harvey Saunders wrapped up the three points with his first touches after coming on when Harvey Saunders took the ball from Callum Reynolds and finished beyond Smith.

Louis Dennis pulled one back in the 96th minute when he turned home Odutayo’s cross, but there was no time left for Bromley to mount any possible comeback.

Bromley registered 25 shots during the 90 minutes but extended their winless run to nine in League Two.

“We just didn’t take our chances,” said Woodman.

“We had enough chances to put the game to bed at half-time.

“But you can’t defend and give away the goals like we have.

“That’s the disappointing thing as well. As much as we’re pushing and trying to win the game, we have to make sure we shut up shop at the back.

“We gifted them two goals. Credit to Tranmere because they rode the storm, defended and the keeper made saves.

“It’s disappointing, but that’s the level we’re at.

“We have to put the ball in the back of the net and keep it out of our net – it’s quite a simple equation.

“We had enough chances to win three games today.

“Equally, we have defended so poorly with those two goals, they must have thought it was Christmas.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD