National League side Bromley claimed a place in the Quarter Finals of the FA Trophy but they were heroically pushed all the way by National South Tonbridge Angels who were reduced to 10 men on 73 minutes. The sides could not be separated and a dramatic penalty shoot out saw the Ravens prevail 3-2. 

A somewhat cagey first half did not give much for the 2,061 crowd to cheer about and it seemed that caution was the main aim for both sides. 

On 4 minutes Bromley goalkeeper Balcome came out of his area and Turner for the home side rounded him but the angle was too tight for an accurate shot on goal.  The 24th minute saw Alabi for Bromley get on the end of a cross from the left but it was just over Henly’s bar and seven minutes later Cawley for the visitors has an effort from range but it was well over. 

Braham-Barrett was starting to find some room on the left wing for the Angels and in the 36th and 44th minutes he caused concern in the Bromley defence with crosses and  Tom Beere on the second got a shot away just over the bar.

The second half started in much the same vein with genuine chances at something of a premium.  Turner’s effort was brilliantly saved by Balcome and then Braham-Barrett combined with Tommy Wood whose cross just eluded the on rushing Turner.  Tonbridge by this stage were improving and starting to ask questions of their National League visitors. 

There was a change of referee around the 65th minute mark and almost immediately there was a huge scramble in front of the Bromley goal with Tonbridge’s Taylor involved but in the end it was a brave save from Balcome to keep the game goalless. 

The replacement referee George Burn was then involved in a controversial incident with Alabi fouling Hudson who then it appeared retaliated in some way and was shown a straight red.

It seemed likely now an uphill task for the Angels particularly as Bromley in the 81st minute scored through substitute Francis fed by Coulson.  The home side however were not done yet and somehow managed to take the ascendancy with Turner scoring in the 86th minute following an Angels corner that Balcome fumbled.  

Angels were now pressing for the winner with Turner once again just wide and substitute Bush almost putting through his own goal but time was eventually called and so the contest moved to a shoot out.   

With Tonbridge having missed three penalties it was left to Coulson to score the decisive kick to put his side through to the quarter finals of the FA Trophy.

Afterwards, Angels Boss Steve McKimm said: I’m very proud of my players today in the way they’ve taken a full time side all the way through to the lottery of a penalty shoot out.  The players are down at the moment but they shouldn’t be as they have given our great support plenty to cheer about today.

Andy Woodman, Bromley’s manager said:” I thought we were a bit lucky today and huge credit to Tonbridge who will be disappointed they haven’t gone through.”

Picture : Monty Stilwell  : Joe Turner draws the Angels level with Bromley