It was Bromley that secured the South London bragging rights at a packed Plough Lane on Saturday afternoon. Roared on by a noisy 1,197 away support, the Ravens completed the double against promotion-chasing AFC Wimbledon and enhanced their own play off credentials at the same time.

It was a performance that exemplified the well-drilled, high energy and gritty nature that has become the hallmark of this Bromley team under the leadership of manager, Andy Woodman.

Bromley was forced to make one change from the team that tasted defeat in midweek against Bradford with a start for Brooklyn Ilunga in place of Ashley Charles. 

It was the Dons that made the brighter start with raking passes out to the wings.

Browne was proving hard to pick up as he drifted in and out. The first goal-bound opportunity took place in the 8th minute when Johnson found Browne who tested Smith with a tame low drive.

After a bright start the Dons seemed to run out of ideas in the face of a disciplined Bromley defence and the terrier-like presence of Arthurs in midfield who seemed to be everywhere.

The most notable chance of the half fell to Bromley’s Thompson following a jinking run by Congreve only to be denied by keeper Goodman who brilliantly palmed the ball away from close range.

The Ravens started the second half with some gusto as they faced towards the mass ranks of the Bromley fans behind the goal. A Mayor cross was headed clear and the resulting mis-hit corner from Whiteley created mayhem as the ball finally fell to Ilunga who skewed his shot well wide.

The Dons had a great chance to take the lead in the 57th minute when Browne seemed sure to score only for Jenkinson to magically appear to hook the shot off the line.

The Dons had another great opportunity 3 minutes later when Browne was felled on the edge of the area. Smith palmed away the resulting free kick to his left as top scorer, Stevens, pounced only to see his shot rustle into the side netting. 

New arrival, Iffil, made an appearance in the 64th for the tiring Ilunga and in the 68th minute, the Dons rolled the dice with three changes. The substitutions helped the Dons gain the ascendancy but they could not find that incisive pass to make a breakthrough. 

The game suddenly spun in favour of Bromley in the 76th minute. Following a calamitous mix up between Lewis and Goodman in the penalty area, Whitley ghosted between them to pinch the ball and calmly stroked the ball it into an empty net from an angle. 

The Dons pressed for a breakthrough but time after time shots were bravely blocked until injury time when Smith pulled off an incredible reaction save from a cross from Tilley from the left. 

It was a strong all round team performance from Bromley but former England international, Carl Jenkinson’s quality of pass and positioning were particularly notable. Webster and Elerewe formed a formidable barrier, Congreve mesmerised opponents with his deft footwork, Arthurs was tenacious, and Whitely produced a composed display demonstrating a good understanding with Ilunga. 

It would have been the late Dave Roberts (author of the Bromley Boys) 70th birthday on Saturday.

How he would have enjoyed the latest chapter from the modern day, Bromley Boys!Next up at Hayes Lane, another tough promotion battle with Doncaster Rovers, under the lights on Tuesday evening at 7.45pm.

Teams

AFC Wimbledon Goodman, Reeves (C), Johnson, Tilley, Bugiel (Pigott 69), Neufville (Sasu 69), Smith (Maycock 69), Stevens (82 Kelly), Browne, Lewis, and Ogundere (82 Hutchinson).

Subs: Ward, and Furlong.

Bromley FC Smith, Elerewe, Jenkinson (Grant 83), Webster (C), Mayor, Whitely, Arthurs, Congreve, Ilunga (Ifill 65), Thompson, and Cheek (Kabamba 89).

Subs: Long, Sowunmi, Dennis, and Paul-Lavaly.

Attendance: 8,519 (away support 1,197)