We’ve been to Bromley once before, and it was horrible!
It was the opening day of last season, and Gary Mills’ newly assembled side went into the match against their newly-promoted opponents on a wave of optimism. In front of a considerable away following, basking in hope and August sunshine, they started superbly too.
The possession football we’d been promised was evident as we dominated the ball and at the mid-point of the first half we took the lead through Wes York, who has a phenomenal record of scoring in the opening game of the season: he achieved the feat in both campaigns he spent with us, and also this year with Gateshead.
However, things rapidly fell apart. We caught on the break for an equaliser and an error by debutant Mason Watkins-Clark gifted Bromley the lead. The Stoke youngster was withdrawn at half time and would never appear for us again, but by then the damage was done. We were 3-1 down at the break, having conceded three times in the 19 minutes after York’s opener, and could do nothing to change the score in the second period.
At least we’ve had better luck against Bromley since then, racking up two home wins. Last season we gained some revenge for that opening day defeat as Lee Fowler opened the scoring with a rare header, having been given a surprise start by Gary Mills, and Connor Jennings completed a 2-0 win from the spot.
This season Dean Keates earned his first win as manager when we defeated Bromley 2-1, thanks to goals by Shaun Harrad and Gerry McDonagh.
Having played his 275th league match against Tranmere, Anthony Barry makes his 300th career appearance tomorrow. His next goal will take him into double figures for his career, and one more this season will mean he’s equalled his most prolific campaign.
This is my column from last week’s Leader. It forms part of the paper’s comprehensive pre-match coverage every Friday, featuring interviews, an in-depth look at the opposition and lots of statistical analysis. All content in the column (c) www.leaderlive.co.uk.
DragonHeart 