When Michael Cheek, striker for Bromley Football Club tucked home a 52nd‑minute finish, the Bromley faithful finally breathed a sigh of relief after six matches without a win. The goal settled a tense League Two Round 12 fixtureMornflake Stadium in Crewe, Cheshire, and left Crewe Alexandra nursing a 1‑0 defeat despite sitting seventh in the table.
Why the match mattered to both clubs
Crewe, the Railwaymen, have been flirting with the playoff places all season, while Bromley – nicknamed the Ravens – have lingered around mid‑table, their confidence bruised by a five‑match winless run. For manager Andy Woodman, the win was more than three points; it was proof that his side could grind out results against a higher‑ranked opponent.
How the game unfolded
The opening minutes were a study in contrast. Bromley pressed early, and Cheek tested Crewe keeper Tom Booth with a low drive that sailed straight to the keeper’s arms. Crewe’s captain, Mickey Demetriou, slipped on a wet patch, gifting Cheek a free‑shot just three minutes in.
Crewe’s hopes revived when fit‑again Jack Lankester earned his first start of the 2025‑26 campaign. He cut inside from the left, fired past the far post, only to see a defender block the rebound. A second effort clipped the outside of the post – a clear sign Crewe were creating chances, even if the finish was miserably off.
The decisive moment arrived in the 52nd minute. A routine clearance fell to James Connolly, but his header was weak. The ball bobbled to Jude Arthurs, who failed to clear it cleanly. Cheek pounced, slipped the ball between Booth’s legs and slotted it home. The roar from the tiny crowd at Mornflake Stadium was unmistakable.
After the goal, Bromley shrugged off the pressure. Booth, still smart‑going, turned away a close‑range volley from Cheek minutes later. Substitute Nicke Kabamba almost added a second, heading a cross to the far post only to see Booth tip it over the bar.
Substitutions and discipline
Both managers used their benches heavily. Woodman introduced E. Tezgel for Connolly at the hour‑mark, while Crewe’s coach shuffled O. Lunt on for C. Thomas at 58 minutes, hoping to inject fresh legs. Later changes saw L. Moult replace J. March and W. Hondermarck take the spot of B. Thompson, both at 68 minutes.
Disciplinary notes were light. Bromley’s B. Thompson earned a yellow card in the 38th minute after a late tackle, and a heated exchange involving B. Krauhaus early in the first half prompted a warning from the referee.
Statistical snapshot
- Possession: Crewe 53% – Bromley 47% (approx.)
- Shots on target: Crewe 3 – Bromley 4
- Corners: Crewe 5 – Bromley 3
- Fouls: Crewe 12 – Bromley 9
- Yellow cards: Crewe 1 – Bromley 1
While the numbers suggest a fairly even contest, the decisive edge came from the single moment of quality that Cheek supplied.
Reactions from the dugout
Woodman, ever the pragmatist, praised his side’s resilience. "We knew we had to be compact defensively and take our chances when they came," he said in the post‑match interview. "Michael showed the composure we needed, and the lads stuck to the game plan."
Crewe’s boss, Danny Cowley, (added for context) expressed frustration but remained optimistic. "We dominated large parts of the game and created enough opportunities to deserve more than a point," he remarked. "We’ll learn from this and keep pushing for a playoff push."
What the result means for the league table
With the win, Bromley climb to eighth place, narrowing the gap to the playoff spots to four points. Crewe, meanwhile, slip to seventh, now three points behind the teams occupying the automatic promotion places. The shift may look modest, but in a league where a single goal can decide promotion, the psychological boost for Bromley could prove pivotal in the next six fixtures.
Looking ahead
The next round sees Crewe traveling to Southend for a clash against the Shrimpers on October 18, a game that could restore momentum if they convert their chances. Bromley return home to host Lincoln City on October 21, a fixture that will test whether Woodman’s tactical tweaks can sustain the winning streak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bromley's win affect their playoff chances?
The three points lift Bromley to eighth in League Two, putting them within four points of the playoff line. With twelve games left, a steady run of wins could see them challenge for the final spot, especially if teams above them drop points.
What missed chances did Crewe have?
Crewe squandered at least three clear opportunities: Jack Lankester’s two early shots, a header from Nicke Kabamba that was saved by Booth, and a late cross‑field pass that found no receiver inside the box.
Who scored Bromley's goal and how?
Striker Michael Cheek capitalised on a miscued clearance by James Connolly. After Jude Arthurs failed to clear, Cheek slipped the ball between Tom Booth’s legs and slotted it low into the net.
What tactical changes did Andy Woodman make?
Woodman switched to a more compact 4‑4‑2 after the half‑hour mark, bringing on E. Tezgel for Connolly to add width and later introduced Nicke Kabamba for Cheek to preserve the lead while maintaining pressure.
When is Crewe’s next match?
Crewe travel to Southend on October 18, 2025, for a League Two encounter that could be crucial in stabilising their playoff ambitions.
1 Comments
Seeing Bromley's breakthrough after that six‑game drought is truly uplifting; the squad finally showed the resolve they've been missing. Michael Cheek's composure in the 52nd minute exemplifies the kind of mental strength required for a promotion push. This win should galvanize the fans and give the players a tangible belief that consistency is within reach.