Bromley made history by reaching the third round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 132 year history with a hard fought 2-1 win away at Solihull Moors on Sunday afternoon in front of the ITV cameras.
Bromley lined up 5-3-2, with the same starting eleven as the away game at Walsall on Tuesday, while Solihull Moors had so many injuries and suspension that they couldn’t name a full bench.
The Ravens started hesitantly and they gifted Solihull an early chance when Jude Arthurs awkward back pass saw Grant Smith drive his clearance straight into Gale who took the ball round the keeper, but dragged his effort wide across the open goal.
With Andy Woodman’s team struggling to settle, the home side took the lead on 11 minutes when Wilkinson latched on to an Oakley throw and unleashed an unstoppable drive from 20 yards past Smith to put Moors 1-0 up.
The home side’s lead only lasted three minutes though, a free kick down the right found Corey Whitely who sent in a dangerous ball across the six yard box and Omar Sowunmi diverted the ball home off his thigh to equalise.
Moors had a good spell after the leveller, but Bromley sat back and kept Andy Whing’s side at bay.
As the half went on The Ravens started to threaten again, Kamarl Grant’s long throws causing problems, before Whitely had a shot deflected wide and from the resulting corner Arthurs had an effort saved by Walker in the home goal.
Sowunmi then diverted a Ben Thompson free kick onto the bar from point blank range, before the home side had the last chance of the half when Bostock fired over after Adu-Poku had won a corner.
The second half saw Woodman change Bromley’s shape and push Danny Imray forward on the right, which gave them far more attacking threat.
Early pressure saw a series of set pieces and corners from The Ravens with Walker saving bravely at Arthurs’ feet after a great pass from Michael Cheek. With Solihull frustrated by the offsides when they did break. They went behind on the hour, as Thompson found Imray with a great lobbed pass that the Crystal Palace loanee got to first nipping in between Walker the keeper and defender Howell to steer the ball into the net to put The Ravens in front for the first time.
From there Bromley sat deeper and let Solihull have the ball for long spells, without giving up any real chances. Both teams made changes for the closing stages and it wasn’t until the final five minutes that Moors started to look dangerous. With a run of corners that Bromley did well to defend and one strong penalty shout for a foul by Idris Odutayo on Gale, which the Referee waved away, booking Morrison for his protests.
Bostock’s last second free kick was eventually cleared and The Ravens were able to celebrate their place in the third round draw on Monday night getting the better of Solihull once again on the big day.
Solihull: Walker, Howell (Newton 79), Whitmore, Morrison, Oakley, Bowen (Warburton 86), Tipton (Stevenson 77), Gale, Bostock, Adu-Poku, Wilkinson. Subs Not Used: Francis-Burrell, Flahavan.
Bromley: Smith, Imray (Jenkinson 82), Odutayo, Webster, Grant, Sowunmi, Arthurs, Whitely (Congreve 82), Thompson, Olomola (Dennis 82), Cheek (Amantchi 88). Subs Not Used: Charles, Elerewe, Long, Thomas, Reynolds.
Goals: SMFC – Wlikinson 11mins. BFC – Sowunmi 14, Imray 60mins
HT 1-1 FT 1-2
Referee: Matthew Russell.