Bromley were edged out by Chesterfield in a fiery and entertaining five-goal thriller at The Technique Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Under Early Pressure
The opening 10 minutes saw an onslaught of Chesterfield pressure, but the few tame efforts on goal were comfortable for Tom Smith in the Bromley goal.
It didn’t take long however for the Spireites to open the scoring. Full-back Jeff King weaved in and out of Bromley defenders and curled a low left footed shot past the stranded Smith.
The Ravens first chance came when Omar Sowunmi got on the end of Byron Webster’s throw, but only managed to head straight into Ross Fitzsimons’ hands.
Second-half Bounce
After a dominant first half display from Chesterfield, it was the away side that started the second half stronger. In the 53rd minute Corey Whitely picked up a loose ball and drove to the by-line, the midfielder then cutting the ball back to Adam Marriott who blasted home from close range.
Double Trouble
The game wasn’t level for long though as the hosts regained their advantage nine minutes later. Goal scorer King turned provider when he crossed for Ollie Banks who headed in from six yards.
Two soon became three. Armando Dobra struck just wide of the post moments before King was brought down in the box by Bromley substitute Charles Clayden. Kabongo Tshimanga converted the spot kick, sending Smith the wrong way.
Tempers Boil Over
A challenge on Bromley man Whitely encouraged heated exchanges between players and coaching staff. Bromley manager Andy Woodman was shown a straight red card.
Shortly after, Marriott set up a grandstand finish when he bagged himself another brace, the fourth of his Bromley career. He headed in at the back post from a deflected cross that rebounded his way.
The fourth official indicated seven minutes of added time, and Chesterfield withstood attack after attack from the Ravens, but the away side couldn’t find an equaliser after good chances from James Vennings and Whitely were passed up.
Following the full-time whistle, a melee broke out between all 22 players and both sets of coaching staff. Bromley’s Sowunmi was shown a red card.
Managers Reaction
Andy Woodman expressed how proud he was of his teams’ performance despite the loss.
“I thought we were excellent. We showed every quality that I expect my team to have. We played football at the right times and had some really big moments. I thought we were good for at least a point”.
Bromley drop to sixth. Chesterfield move up a place to third, six points off league leaders Notts County.
Edited by Gregg Baxter
