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After another 1-0 defeat against MK Dons - the ffth defeat by that score in 2026 - it still leaves us 6 points short of the play-offs, with just 9 games left to the season. After 37 games last season we were seventh with 57 points. That was the high point of that season, as we only got 10 points from the final 9 games. The loss of Lyle Taylor to injury hampered our chances of making the play-offs then, and I think losing Micah Mbick to injury will be a deciding factor this time around. We are now 10/1 with Bet365 to finish in the top 7. With our tough run-in I think that price is about right.
Bromley were formed in 1892, and were original members of the Southern League in 1894. They are nicknamed "The Ravens" due to the three ravens featured on the club's crest, which is a variation of the coat of arms for the London Borough of Bromley.
The ravens at the Tower of London are a famous, protected group of at least six captive birds, often cited as guardians of the kingdom, whose presence is said to prevent the Crown from falling. While the Bromley ravens have lived a less glamorous life spending 130 years playing non-league football, before they finally got promoted to the EFL last season. I think they would still be non-league if it wasn't for the great work from current manager Andy Woodman. He took over during the 2020/21 season, and got them to the National League play-offs later that season, for the first time in their history, where they lost in the quarter-finals. They repeated the feat in 2022/23, and this time lost in the semi-finals. Then the following season it was third time lucky, and they got promoted to the EFL through the play-offs.
In their first seaon as a league club they finished 11th, when just like the U's, they flirted with the play-offs during the season. A good start considering they were one of the favourites to be relegated. A good start, though nobody would be predicting them to be one of the automatics this season, but that is almost certain to happen now. Their last defeat in the league was when they lost 3-1 at Walsall on the 29th November, 19 games ago. They are also undefeated at home this season. Although 19 undefeated, their recent form has not been great, with a spell of 5 draws in 6 games, before 1-0 wins against struggling Bristol Rovers and Newport in the last two fixtures. Perhaps the pressure is starting to tell, or is it because they have been without their talisman Michael Cheek, injured for the last four games. He has been Bromley's top scorer for the last six seasons, and won the League 2 golden boot last season. A very important player for their physical direct style of play, where they score a lot of goals from set-pieces. Hopefully he will still be out this Saturday
Michael Cheek started his career on our doorstep at Stanway Rovers in the 2008/09 season, and then moved up the road to Heybridge Swifts, Chelmsford and Braintree. Significantly at the the same time as Danny Cowley was manager of Braintree, when they reached the National League play-offs. He scored 34 goals in 84 games for them, so surprised Danny hasn't tried to sign him since. After leaving Braintree he played for Dagenham and Redbridge, and Ebsfleet, before signing for Bromley in 2019, where he has scored 130 goals in 289 games.
Head to Head Obviously not a lot to report here with Bromley only joining the league last season. In the two home games we drew 1-1 last season, and suffered a 2-0 defeat this season. In the context of Saturday's game, more importantly, we won the away game 1-0 last season, with a goal from Owura Edwards. (See below). More of the same again on Saturday please.
We have also played at Bromley once in the FA Cup 1st Round in the 2009/10 season. We won 4-0 with goals from Simon Hackney, Kayode Odejayi, Clive Platt and Steven Gillespie
They have played for both
Omar Sowunmi: A Colchester-born defender who played for his hometown club between 2019 and 2021. He initially joined Bromley in 2021, briefly left for Sutton United, and returned to Bromley in July 2024, where he currently plays.
Tom Smith: The goalkeeper joined Bromley on loan from Arsenal for the first half of the 2022–23 season. He was recalled in January 2023 to join Colchester United, where he later signed a permanent contract.
Nicke Kabamba: The striker had a loan spell at Colchester United during the 2017–18 season. Most recently, he joined Bromley in January 2025 for an undisclosed fee from Barnet.
Andy Woodman: The current manager of Bromley had a significant playing spell at Colchester United between 2000 and 2002, making over 50 league appearances as a goalkeeper.
Bobby Bowry: A former professional midfielder who represented Colchester United in the Football League during the early 2000s before finishing his career in non-league football with Bromley.
Guy Branston: A defender who had a spell with Colchester United and played for numerous other clubs, including Bromley.
Prediction Teddy Bishop is injured again, so almost certain to be out. There didn't appear to be any injuries from the MK Dons game, so will go with the following team, hoping to give a go by going 4-4-2.
In true durham fashion I am going for a repeat of last seasons 1-0 win, with Jack Payne scoring the goal. I just think if Cheek is still injured, Bromley are not so good, and we are almost at the Last Chance Saloon, when draws are no longer much good.
Weather The good spring weather is set to continue at Bromley on Saturday, with a sunny day and a gentle breeze, and a high of 14 degrees.
[Post edited 20 Mar 17:09]
mfb
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Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 14:24 - Mar 19 with 4478 views
Not a huge fan of the way Bromley play but what they've achieved over the last few seasons is pretty incredible and part of me wants them to go up but they really are anti-football at best. Also they're a local game and a smaller club than us so not an ideal one to lose.
I watched this a couple of days ago and it gives you a bit of insight into how they operate and it just goes to show what you can achieve with a group of players who are willing to work so, so hard for each other. A bit like our promotion U's from 2005/06.
"We have also played at Bromley once in the FA Cup 1st Round in the 2009/10 season. We won 4-0 with goals from Simon Hackney, Kayode Odejayi, Clive Platt and Steven Gillespie"
Did Gareth Williams play for Bromley in this one? So adding another player to the 'They have played for both' list.
Having drawn with Crawley both home and away and now winning and losing home and away against MK, we need to reverse the home fixture defeat away at Bromley to stay on track for the points required where we may still sneak into the last play-off position!
Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 19:48 - Mar 19 by ghughes11
"We have also played at Bromley once in the FA Cup 1st Round in the 2009/10 season. We won 4-0 with goals from Simon Hackney, Kayode Odejayi, Clive Platt and Steven Gillespie"
Did Gareth Williams play for Bromley in this one? So adding another player to the 'They have played for both' list.
Having drawn with Crawley both home and away and now winning and losing home and away against MK, we need to reverse the home fixture defeat away at Bromley to stay on track for the points required where we may still sneak into the last play-off position!
Gareth Williams came on as sub at the start of the second-half for Bromley. This is one AI missed, but it is not surprising as there are lot's of ex-professionals who end up playing in non league.
mfb
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Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 10:33 - Mar 20 with 4304 views
Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 22:12 - Mar 19 by mfb_cufc
Gareth Williams came on as sub at the start of the second-half for Bromley. This is one AI missed, but it is not surprising as there are lot's of ex-professionals who end up playing in non league.
Feel like we could do with one or more of Williams, Odejayi, Platt and Gillespie right now!
Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 19:48 - Mar 19 by ghughes11
"We have also played at Bromley once in the FA Cup 1st Round in the 2009/10 season. We won 4-0 with goals from Simon Hackney, Kayode Odejayi, Clive Platt and Steven Gillespie"
Did Gareth Williams play for Bromley in this one? So adding another player to the 'They have played for both' list.
Having drawn with Crawley both home and away and now winning and losing home and away against MK, we need to reverse the home fixture defeat away at Bromley to stay on track for the points required where we may still sneak into the last play-off position!
Great preview mfb! I'm really looking forward to this, and sincerely believe that we have a golden opportunity to finally inflict a home defeat on Bromley. I'm going for a 0-2 win for the U's, with Lisbie getting the opening goal, sweet revenge after their smash and grab at the JobServe.
Edit: btw, Eid Mubarak to anyone who has been observing Ramadan.
Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 10:33 - Mar 20 by RSCOSWORTH
Feel like we could do with one or more of Williams, Odejayi, Platt and Gillespie right now!
Funny how these type of players were slated at the time. However, I'm sure people would bite your left arm off for a Joel Thomas or Jamie Guy right now!
I'm sure Scott McGleish could still do a job for us now!
Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 06:33 - Mar 21 by ghughes11
Funny how these type of players were slated at the time. However, I'm sure people would bite your left arm off for a Joel Thomas or Jamie Guy right now!
I'm sure Scott McGleish could still do a job for us now!
1. No away fans permitted in sports bar. 2. Told that we have a bar in the away end. 3. Lies - it’s only a tea bar! 4. Single kiosk selling expensive burgers. 5. Portaloos - only two female 6. No handwashing facilities (only gel). 7. Nearest pub 17 minutes walk. 8. Appalling seats, terrible legroom.
How did these jokers ever get into the EFL?
Hope we batter them!
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Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 14:42 - Mar 21 with 3904 views
Bromley stewards also thugs, a big brawl is now occurring with multiple U’s fans after they over aggressively removed a fan from the stand. U’s fans are now unable to access any toilets as police and stewards have closed the concourse. Wessex has a better view than me, so maybe he can add more detail, but the spark was unnecessarily over aggressive stewarding, which I notice the police were filming, suggesting they had concerns.
We can win this - fingers crossed.
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Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 17:16 - Mar 21 with 3802 views
It seems that the fan somewhat roughly ejected was having a sneaky vape. It’s wrong, but it didn’t require three thug stewards to remove him. Earlier, a vape had been thrown on the pitch by home fans. It patently couldn’t have been him (unless he had two vapes). I’m of the opinion the stewards were simply looking for trouble. They aggressively searched us all on entry. At age 84, my pal hardly looks like a troublemaker!
As regards the game, Williams, Lisbie and Bishop all had clear cut chances, but we couldn’t hit a cows arse with a banjo. Bromley one real chance, back of net. I can’t see them surviving in League One using current tactics.
Awful experience today. At least we don’t have to suffer it in 2026-27. Hopefully, we will take their place when they are relegated, so our paths won’t cross again soon.
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Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 18:53 - Mar 21 with 3720 views
Very disappointing today, we should have battered them, and with Mbick on the pitch we would have done. Bromley will win the league playing their style of anti-football, and good riddance. They’ll be straight back down next season, and once Andy Woodman has gone, they’ll keep going.
I heard too it was apparently a lad having a crafty vape who was roughed up and frog-marched out. The stewards, supported by the Met, then blocked off access to the toilets and food truck just as halftime arrived. It was a perfect example of how to escalate a minor incident to the point at which it could turned very nasty. I even had to physically restrain one lad myself. The police eventually overruled the stasi and opened up the gate.
Get this though, whilst I was queuing for my significantly overpriced burger, one of the stewards had a quiet word with one of ladies in their lengthy toilet queue who was also having a crafty vape. Perhaps it would have better to handle the first instance the same way, but then again, perhaps the really wanted the chance to ‘flex’. Reminded me of the jackboots at AFC Wimbledon - perhaps it’s a Sarf London thing?
Praise for Essex Police that defused the situation.
Bromley created the perfect tinder-box. Diabolical facilities, huge queues for portaloos, inadequate catering, no bar, overpriced. We were refused entry to their Broomfields Sports Bar and Bear Island, and by 13:30 approximately 200 U’s fans had entered the ground having been lied to (we were told there were bar facilities for away fans inside). The nearest pub is 17 minutes away (see Google Maps).
On entry, 80+ year old fans were given full pat-down searches by thug stewards, who were overly aggressive all afternoon. They dragged the fan from the stand despite him not physically resisting. As half time approached, barriers were erected preventing fans from accessing toilets etc. No wonder it all kicked off. Yes, memories of Wimbledon, Wessex. How will they cope in League One if they struggle with 600 U’s fans? I’m glad I won’t be visiting again.
As regards the game, I thought it was an excellent U’s performance apart from our forwards having no idea where the goal is. We missed three sitters. That’s football, but when it happens week after week the solution is obvious. But with the club for sale and no budget, when will the Cowley’s patience run out? I’ve known years of despair as a U’s fan, but the current level of frustration is worse. As Danny says, we are the nearly team, Cowling out!
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Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 14:30 - Mar 22 with 3465 views
Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 07:33 - Mar 22 by noah4x4
Praise for Essex Police that defused the situation.
Bromley created the perfect tinder-box. Diabolical facilities, huge queues for portaloos, inadequate catering, no bar, overpriced. We were refused entry to their Broomfields Sports Bar and Bear Island, and by 13:30 approximately 200 U’s fans had entered the ground having been lied to (we were told there were bar facilities for away fans inside). The nearest pub is 17 minutes away (see Google Maps).
On entry, 80+ year old fans were given full pat-down searches by thug stewards, who were overly aggressive all afternoon. They dragged the fan from the stand despite him not physically resisting. As half time approached, barriers were erected preventing fans from accessing toilets etc. No wonder it all kicked off. Yes, memories of Wimbledon, Wessex. How will they cope in League One if they struggle with 600 U’s fans? I’m glad I won’t be visiting again.
As regards the game, I thought it was an excellent U’s performance apart from our forwards having no idea where the goal is. We missed three sitters. That’s football, but when it happens week after week the solution is obvious. But with the club for sale and no budget, when will the Cowley’s patience run out? I’ve known years of despair as a U’s fan, but the current level of frustration is worse. As Danny says, we are the nearly team, Cowling out!
We had the solution in the "best number nine" that Danny has ever worked with but unfortunately Newport put paid to that idea. The players really should be getting better protection from the officials in this division. If it continues the way it has done Premier League and Championship teams won't want to send their prized young assets to League Two any more. Charlton could've got £4m for Mbick, now they have a player who will spend the rest of 2026 recovering from an injury from an unnecessary and overly aggressive tackle (excessive force anyone?) and may never be the same player again.
Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 09:12 - Mar 23 by RSCOSWORTH
We had the solution in the "best number nine" that Danny has ever worked with but unfortunately Newport put paid to that idea. The players really should be getting better protection from the officials in this division. If it continues the way it has done Premier League and Championship teams won't want to send their prized young assets to League Two any more. Charlton could've got £4m for Mbick, now they have a player who will spend the rest of 2026 recovering from an injury from an unnecessary and overly aggressive tackle (excessive force anyone?) and may never be the same player again.
You can say that about EVERY player RSC. Career threatening injuries and potential being the justification of contracts of vast sums of money that are received by players .
Ravens to have their wings cliipped by the super Eagles on 16:57 - Mar 23 by bwildered
You can say that about EVERY player RSC. Career threatening injuries and potential being the justification of contracts of vast sums of money that are received by players .
Of course and that's why they need protecting from "tackles" that are dangerous or made with excessive force and aggression. The amount of contact injuries we've had this season is nothing short of ridiculous and yet nothing is being done about it.
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