Just a brief summary of last nights EFL game at Bromley. United made a number of changes, as did the hosts but the game could not have started any worse for the men in amber. Dithering about in defence, we missed a couple of chances to clear before Imray ran down the right and crossed for Dinanga to side foot home, unmarked and in 41 seconds. Defending once again was poor. The U’s did play lots of tidy football but were still overplaying at the back. Instead of learning the U’s were cut open again on 10 with Congrieve firing in a shot which Stevens got down to parry. With United defenders looking at each other, the same Bromley player fired inches wide. It really was time to wake up.
With the U’s again in their green kit looking to pass their way back into the game, they failed to recognise that the home team were burly giants and were chasing tackles. I thought the U’s could have had a penalty soon after but the referee was not impressed. With United getting nowhere, we were undone again on 25 when bad marking saw the U’s defenders lose their men and as the ball was headed across goal for Dinanga to force the ball home for 2-0 it was with the visitors looking sorry for themselves. Barton and Stokes were instrumental in getting the U’s back in the game, with Liam Bennett firing home from 12 yards for 2-1. The U’s at last moving the ball round faster. Half time came a few minutes later at 2-1. A hit and miss half from the visitors.
The second half got underway with the U’s at various times bringing on Okedina, Nundulu, Morrison and Munday. Danny Andrew had a couple of chances with one taking a wicked deflection but with Korey Smith controlling the game, the passing became cleaner and Crisper. Bennett and Stokes linked up on the right and with some fine wing play crossed for Barton to fire home for 2-2. The U’s were in the ascendency now and further good work from Stokes sent up Longelo who cut in from the edge of the box to fire home in the far corner for 3-2. It had been a fine turnaround with the U’s playing a decent passing game.
To be fair the game looked won against spirited but limited opponents. Bromley went back to their muscular high ball approach but did not look threatening until gifted the softest of equalisers. As a simple back header was knocked back to keeper Jack Stevens, he completely missed the simplest of catches for the surprised Olomola to get possession and side foot home for 3-3. I could visualise the many United fans at the ground and watching on tv let out a collective groan. The game finished 3-3 and the home side won 5-4 on penalties, nuff said.
In summary this game was always there for the taking against stronger but limited opponents. The equaliser for 3-3 is keeper Jack Stevens second major error this season. Is it confidence or concentration. This must be attended to soonest or I see the keeper going out on loan at a lower level to regain his ability. Starman was probably Dan Barton with good contributions from Stokes, Longelo and Smith. It’s so close to that win but we must cut out these errors.