Bromley Secure Historic Promotion
Bromley will play in the Football League for the first time in its 132-year history next season after securing promotion from the National League in the play-off final.
Bromley had secured their place at Wembley with a 3-1 win against Altrincham in the semi-final, a game where they were cheered on by Bristol Street Motors CEO Robert Forrester, as well as colleagues from local dealerships in both Bromley and Orpington that have supported the club for a number of years.
Solihull Moors would be the opposition for a place in the league having thumped Barnet 4-0 in the other semi-final but Bromley started the brighter with Louis Dennis firing just wide in the opening minute.
Within 60 seconds, Idris Odutayo fizzed a shot just wide of the other post as the Ravens enjoyed the better of the play before Solihull started to grow into the game – with a deflected effort from Joe Sbarra almost catching out Grant Smith in the Bromley goal.
Bromley hit the front five minutes before the break when Michael Cheek outmuscled Alex Whitmore before smashing the ball into the net only for Solihull to equalises shortly after half-time when Sbarra jumped on a rebound after a save from Smith to make it 1-1.
Bromley were back in front before the hour mark when Cheek added his second from the penalty spot having been fouled by ‘keeper Nick Hayes but Solihull once again replied with captain Jamey Osborne levelling the scores with 25 minutes left to play.
There would be no further goals in the remaining time available, or an additional 30 minutes of stoppage time, despite Alex Kirk cracking a shot against the woodwork for Bromley, leading to the match going to penalty kicks to determine the winner.
Smith was the early hero for Bromley in the shootout as he saved from both Tyrese Shade and Joss Labadie either side of Cheek smashing his kick into the net, but with Ashley Charles then missed, Solihull levelled though Tahvon Campbell.
As the penalties found the net, Jon Benton’s effort made it 3-3 and left Byron Webster knowing he would win the game if he scored – duly smashing it down the middle to beat Hayes and put Bromley into the league for the first time.
“A huge congratulations to Bromley FC on their historic achievement!” Sam Perfect, Bristol Street Motors Ford Bromley General Manager, said. “132 years after the formation of the Club, they've earned their place in the English Football League, which is a remarkable success.
“Promotion is a fantastic reward for everyone involved with Bromley FC, from the players on the field to the coaching staff, management team, all the staff in the background and loyal supporters in the stands.
“Congratulations once again, and we are proud to have shown our support on the journey.”
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📸 - Dylan Clinton