REPORT | Wealdstone 0-1 Bromley

Ten-man Bromley edged Wealdstone 1-0 at The Vale, in a tightly contested encounter.

A second-half goal from Michael Cheek proved to be the difference between the two sides as play-off hopefuls Bromley sealed a narrow victory.

With Alex Dyer, Tarryn Allarakhia, Dillon De Silva and Nathan Ferguson off on international duty for their respective nations, manager David Noble made four changes to the side that defeated Fylde on Saturday.

Jack Cook, Jack Young, Brandon Mason and Aaron Henry all returned to the starting line-up for the Stones.

The Ravens registered the first strike of the game in the 4thminute of play when Idris Odutayo’s effort flew over the crossbar.

Four minutes later, the visitors had their second sight of goal when Callum Reynolds connected with Jude Arthurs’ cross, but the defender’s header was straight at Marcus Dewhurst.

Drama ensued in the 18th minute when Bromley’s shot-stopper Grant Smith was shown a straight red card, reducing Andy Woodman’s side to ten-men.

Moments later, the Stones nearly profited from their numerical advantage, but Jadyn Mundle-Smith had three goal-bound efforts blocked in the box.

Wealdstone were also forced into an early substitution in the 32nd minute as an injured Kyle Smith had to be replaced by Micah Obiero.

A minute later, the Stones came close to taking the lead when Young shot on target, but substitute goalkeeper David Aziaya made a solid save to deny the Wycombe Wanderers loanee.

At the opposing end, the Ravens had the chance to draw first blood as Arthurs picked out Reynolds again with his corner, however he could only direct his header wide.

It was then the Stones’ chance to nearly seize the initiative as Immanuelson Duku dragged his shot agonisingly wide of the far post.

The end-to-end action continued as former Stone Olufela Olomola rifled an effort towards goal, but defensive stalwart Charlie Barker reacted with an excellent block.

Two minutes before the stroke of half-time, Bromley nearly scored as Michael Cheek latched onto Arthurs’ through ball, but skipper Cook recovered to clear the danger.

Noble’s men returned from the interval with added impetus and they were nearly fruitful in the 59th minute when the ball fell to Henry and he powered a superb volley towards goal that was deflected just wide.

Moments later, Duku surged into the area, cut inside and curled a brilliant effort just over the crossbar.

The Stones continued with their free-flowing play and nearly took the lead with half an hour to go as Young slid through Duku on-goal, who struck with the outside of his boot, but Aziaya responded with a fine save.

In the 67th minute, another former Stone was inches away from handing the Ravens the advantage.

Ashley Charles curled a sublime free-kick towards the top corner, with only the woodwork denying the midfielder from scoring.

A minute later, the visitors finally broke the deadlock as Ben Krauhaus seized possession and broke from his own half, feeding Creek, who coolly slotted home past Dewhurst into the far corner.

As the match entered the final stages, Wealdstone pressed for a late equaliser. Obiero curled an effort from range which wasalways rising, then the substitutes combined as Max Kretzschmar floated the ball to Sean Adarkwa, who headed towards goal, but Aziaya held well.

Despite six additional minutes and several mounted attacks from the Stones, third-place Bromley held firm for all three points.

Wealdstone return to action this Saturday 23rd March when they host Kidderminster Harriers at The Vale, in a 3pm kick-off.

WEALDSTONE: Dewhurst, Barrett (Kretzschmar 69), Cook (c), Barker, Mundle-Smith, Young, Henry, Bowen, Smith (Obiero 32), Mason, Duku (Adarkwa 69).

Subs not used: Seaman, Cesay.

Attendance: 1,042

Report by Nicole Cho-Yee