Bromley’s winning start to their debut League Two season continued with an impressive win over old rivals AFC Wimbledon at a sold out Hayes Lane on Saturday lunchtime thanks to goals from that familiar duo Michael Cheek & Corey Whitely.
The Ravens went in to the game making one change from the side that won at Harrogate last weekend, with Danny Imray coming in for the injured Josh Passley, lining up 5-4-1.
After an open start it was The Dons who had the first chance when James Ball had a shot saved by Grant Smith. With the game wide open, Corey Whitely then had a chance for Bromley well saved by Owen Goodman.
Wimbledon had the majority of the possession, but didn’t really create too many chances, while Cheek looked isolated up front for the home side, but certainly drew plenty of fouls around 30 yards from goal.
Wimbledon started to test the Bromley defence more with Omar Bugiel shooting wide and Ball hitting the post from tight angle after a good run down the left, but it was the home side who got the vital breakthrough against the run of play.
Bromley broke out of defence quickly and Whitely picked the ball up in midfield before playing a superb ball through to Cheek who took a touch and coolly slid the ball past Goodman and into the far corner of the net for 1-0.
The Dons had a good spell of pressure following the goal and Ball was booked for his zealous appeals for a possible handball Idris Odutayo.
The last action of the half saw chances at either end, Bromley went close again when Odutayo crossed for Imray who had a header saved by Goodman, then Jake Reeves played a free kick to Josh Neufville whose shot was deflected over for corner.
The second half saw The Dons press, but they lacked the final touch on the edge of the area and were kept at bay by Bromley’s solid backline.
After a quiet spell it was Andy Woodman’s side who doubled their lead on the hour mark.
Imray charged down the right and cut into the area before playing the ball across to Whitely at the far post and the midfielder got the ball under control before smashing it home for 2-0.
Wimbledon made three subs from there and tried to shake things up, while Bromley introduced Marcus Dinanga to partner Cheek and keep the visitors’ back line under pressure.
With the game opened up again, Cheek had a header saved, while Hippolyte dragged a chance wide for The Wombles. Late on Smith made a superb double save to deny Josh Kelly and Neufville and then also saved an Alistair Smith header.
Bromley settled from there and saw the game out controlling the play and keeping their second consecutive clean sheet.
Bromley now travel to Bradford City next weekend looking to keep their excellent start to life in League Two going.
Bromley: Smith, Imray (Sowunmi 78), Reynolds, Webster, Grant, Odutayo, Charles, Whitely, Arthurs, Congreve (Danga 64), Cheek (Amantchi 87). Subs Not Used: Long, Leigh, Olomola.
Wimbledon:Goodman, Ogundere, Lewis, Johnson, Neufville, Reeves, Ball (Hippolyte 65), Smith, Furlong (Tilley 78), Stevens (Kelly 65), Bigeil (Pigott 65). Subs Not Used: Ward, O’Toole, Maycock.
HT 1-0 FT 2-0
Goals: Cheek 35, Whitely 60 mins.
Att: 4,500
Referee: Mr W Finnie