In arguably Bromley’s most complete performance of the season, it was the Ravens that took the crucial three points putting last week’s elimination in the FA Trophy semi-final to the same side firmly behind them.

It is now highly likely that Bromley will go on to secure one of the much sought after home play-off semi-final spots. 

Bromley Manager, Andy Woodman, deserves great credit for picking an unchanged team and retaining the same formation that served him so well in Tuesday night’s crucial draw against Barnet at the Hive. The tweak to the formation saw Bromley lining up with one forward, two wide attacking midfielders and two central defensive midfielders.

The tactical change clearly plays to the team’s strengths and helped create a performance that was quintessentially Woodman. Bromley’s goal was rarely threatened and whilst Bromley may not have enjoyed as much possession as Solihull, they countered effectively and fashioned numerous clear opportunities on goal.

The match was slow to get going with Bromley suffering a scare in the 16th minute with Reynolds and Webster getting in one another’s way leaving Campbell free, but he was unable to capitalise. A penetrating long throw from Grant a couple of minutes later was cleared by Benn who appeared to handle the ball in the area, but nothing was given.

Bromley had better fortune in the 22nd minute though when Cheek outmuscled last week’s trophy hero Whitmore to slot Krauhaus through on goal. Krauhaus was clipped by Newton leaving the referee little option but to point to the spot. Newton was fortunate to see only yellow. Cheek stepped up and confidently drove the ball high and down the middle of the goal to leave keeper, Hayes, with no chance. 

The new formation has really benefitted Krauhaus and Whitely who are playing higher up the pitch in support of Cheek and their strong technical ability and well-timed runs caused the defence numerous problems. Solihull were building patiently from the back but got no change out of defensive midfield duo Charles and Arthurs who formed an energetic and formidable partnership.

Bromley doubled their lead in the 43rd minute in somewhat controversial fashion. Arthurs instigated the move picking out Passley with a raking ball on the right, Passley checked his run slipping the marauding Grant down the line. Grant’s initial cross was blocked but he regained possession, raced away again, and fired a thunderbolt of a cross into the box. Arthurs flung his body at the ball at the far post and made enough contact for the ball to nestle into the back of the net. The goal prompted bitter appeals from the Solihull players claiming hand ball. 

Solihull boss, Andy Whings made a change at half-time replacing Labadie with wide-player Stevens to give his side more attacking options and with Osborne spraying the ball to both flanks Solihull started to carry more threat. In the 51st minute Clarke got behind Odutayo on the wing who hauled him down earning him a booking. Bromley stayed calm and soaked up the pressure and a fast-paced Whitely break a minute later nearly saw Cheek through on goal but for a last-ditch interception by Whitmore.

The Moors rolled the dice in the 64th minute with the introduction of giant striker Beck for Sborra. Beck had caused Bromley problems with his physicality the previous week, but this was a different Bromley performance and Beck made very little impact this time round. 

With Solihull running out of ideas, it was Bromley that again looked the more likely to score. Passley surprised the defence in the 72nd minute with a well-hit strike that was padded away by Hayes as far as Whitley whose shot was charged down by the onrushing keeper. Whitely was persistent, however, and collected the ball a second time only for his venomous drive to be well saved by Hayes. 

With Bromley in control, Woodman, sent on Kirk for Passley in the 75th minute. The change meant Bromley had five central defenders playing across the backline. Reynolds found Whitely in the area in the 76th minute with a probing long ball but Whitmore lunged to divert the ensuing shot for a corner. Cheek was withdrawn for Davies in the 79th minute.

Bromley extended their lead in the 83rd minute when Kirk picked out Krauhaus who calmly slotted the ball past Hayes to crown an excellent performance. The final action of note was a stunning pinpoint pass almost the entire length of the pitch from Grant that found Davies on the edge of the opposition area, but he rushed his shot sending it blazing into the crowd.

Bromley needs a point at Oxford City, the bottom team in the league, on Tuesday night to confirm their place in the play-off semi-final. Who knows, perhaps Solihull will be the team to return to complete an enthralling trilogy of matches at Hayes Lane in a couple of weeks’ time in that semi-final. 

On this form and playing with this formation though, no team will look forward to facing Andy Woodman’s Bromley Boys. 

Team line ups

Bromley: Smith, Passley (Kirk 75), Reynolds, Webster, Grant, Odutayo, Arthurs, Charles (Woods 86), Krauhaus, Whitely, and Cheek (Davies 79).

Unused subs: Thomas and Dennis.

Solihull: Hayes, Clarke, Newton, Osborne, Maycock (Benton 78), Shade, Labadie (Stevens 46), Campbell, Benn, Sbarra (Beck 64), and Whitmore.

Unused subs: Boateng and Taylor.

Referee: Dale Baines

Attendance: 3,012 (63 from Solihull)