November was a month of contrasting fortunes for Bromley FC, but they still go into December sitting second in the National League table, three points behind leaders Barrow.
It started with a 1-0 defeat at Wrexham, before two epic FA Cup ties with Bristol Rovers came either side of an eventful 3-3 draw at home to Harrogate Town, where Bromley came back from 3-0 down.
The initial draw away at The Memorial Stadium will go down in Bromley folklore, for the first time in most fans living memory the Ravens held their own against Football League opposition and were only edged out by a single goal in the replay, live on TV, after having two goals disallowed.
After the dust had settled on the cup exit Neil Smith’s side picked up a crucial 2-0 win away at local rivals Sutton Utd, grabbing two goals against the run of play to keep pace with the leaders. Ben Williamson scoring on his debut and Michael Cheek netting again.
Sadly this was followed up by a 2-1 loss away at Woking on a Tuesday night, injuries and suspensions catching up with the Bromley squad, plus the loss of Marc Anthony Okoye to a career ending knee problem.
The heavy early season schedule that sees half of the league fixtures completed by the end of November certainly takes it’s toll teams with smaller squads and budgets. Smith has said he is down to the bare bones at the moment.
The month ended with a 1-1 draw at home to Yeovil Town, Smith’s side conceding a 97th minute equaliser after both sides had a player sent off in the first half. Influential defender Chris Bush’s red card was later rescinded by the FA, which at least makes him available for the trip to Chesterfield on Saturday, but versatile defender Rarmani Edmonds-Green has been recalled by Huddersfield Town.
December will go a long way to shaping the second half of the season for The Ravens, with the FA Trophy starting away at Dorking Wanderers and a busy festive period including two games against Dover Athletic and home matches with Eastleigh & Dagenham and Redbridge.