Bromley 2 AfcWimbledon 2 – BSS – 13/04/09
Bromley earned a remarkable point against the champions elect at Hayes Lane on Easter Monday thanks to a controversial late equaliser from Ryan Hall.
The first half began with Wimbledon on top and asking all the questions, The Dons took the lead on 2mins when Elliott Godfrey crashed home a fine effort from the edge of the box after Bromley failed to clear their lines from a corner. Bromley were only a threat from occasional breaks which broke down with the lack of support given to the front two who worked tirelessly. Wimbledon had several chances to increase their score with Aaron Dalhouse clearing off the line, Chris Hussey going close twice and Danny Kedwell firing over when one on one with Gareth Williams, but they had to settle for 1-0 at the break.
The second half saw Bromley really start to fight back with Ali Chaaban, Ryan Hall and Adrian Stone causing The Dons defence real problems. The hard work paid off on 55mins when Hall found space on the edge of the box and shot past James Pullen for 1-1. Chaaban, Stone, Hall and sub Warren McBean all forced saves from Pullen as The Ravens started to rattle the nervous looking title challengers. The best chance for Bromley saw Hall cross for McBean who slipped in the area as the ball approached and the ball bounced behind him and away to safety. A defensive substitution saw Liam Norval replace Chaaban and gave The Dins the attacking initiative which they took on 88mins when a deep cross fell to Jon Main who crashed home what looked like a late winner for 2-1. Then came the talking point with Jay Conroy appearing to be injured Rob Gillman gave the ball to a Wimbledon player who kicked it off for a throw on. After a spell of treatment to The Dons man the ball was thrown to Hall who then hit it on the volley from 45yards out towards to oppositions Keeper, but to every body’s astonishment it sailed over Pullen and went in off the post for 2-2 on 90mins. With the home fans delirious and Hall celebrating the Wimbledon players and management went mad, but after 5mins or so of arguing Bromley refused to let Wimbledon score and held on to the hard earned point.
After the game the arguments on the pitch continued and a small number of visiting fans then broke down advertising hoardings and made threats of violence outside the ground, but the result stood although the outrage of all connected to Wimbledon will go on for a long time until they secure promotion.
Quote for the game, ‘I’m gonna change my vote for player of the season!’ – Mikey.
Bromley: Williams, Dalhouse, Frey, Sobers, Gillman, Robinson, Beaney, Hall, Chaaban, Stone, Dolby. Subs: McBean, I’Anson, Norval, Pakasa, Manning.
