Lillies hit rock bottom as Stone land shock cup win

27 November 2009

BROMLEY bowed out of this season's FA Trophy at the first attempt without a even whimper at home against lower league opponents Maidstone United.

It seemed as though the hosts failed to realise they were in a game until late in the fixture last Saturday and paid the price as a result against their Ryman Premier visitors. In a dismal tie that matched the weather, Maidstone had the first chance in the third minute when ex-Lillywhites striker Danny Hockton nodded over from a free kick. Marcus Cassius then flashed a low shot just wide of the far post from Donal O'Sullivan's header. However, this was as good as it got for the hosts.

A blunder by goalkeeper Gareth I Williams presented the visitors with what turned out to be the winning goal in the 14th minute.

Following good approach play, Shannon O'Donovan's chipped over a static Williams, who seemingly thought the effort was sailing wide.

Minutes later, the away side had a chance to double their lead, but this time the Lillywhites keeper was equal to the task and tipped over the bar. Luke I'Anson saw an effort saved late in the first half but, aside from this, the Blue Square South outfit rarely troubled their opponent's goal.

Manager Mark Goldberg rang in the changes soon into the second period - I'Anson was replaced by Salifou Ibrahima and Donal O'Sullivan and Cassius made way for Adrian Stone and Gareth A Williams respectively. However, the alterations failed to spark the game into life and chances for the home side dried up.

With 15 minutes remaining, Bromley had their best spell of the game, with an off balance header from Gareth A Williams not troubling Turner, and a 25-yard shot from Ashley Carew sailing over the bar. Stone missed a gift-wrapped chance on 81 minutes when, with the goal at his mercy, he somehow contrived to head the ball from six yards out.

In a last throw of the dice Ibrahima just failed to connect with a low cross but it was too comfortable all afternoon for the lower league opposition.

Bromley: G I Williams, Dalhouse, Dolby, Corneille, Henriques, Gillman, Carew, I'Anson (Ibrahima 46), O'Sullivan (Stone 55), Cassius (G A Williams 55), Dunk.

Subs not used: Greene, Liburd. Att: 655.