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July is gone, we now enter August which is the month where the real thing begins: that is the season itself. But before it does, we have two final friendlies to play: one away and one under the lights at The Dub.

Once the friendlies are out of the way, we can decide who will be in the first team squad and who to put into the newly created reserve team squad.


Ahead of the away friendly in Downpatrick on the first Saturday of the new month, we were informed 27 year old central defender Jack Graham has been targeted as a new signing by Championship side Newington. Of course we would like to keep hold of Jack, as he has vital quality known as experience in his locker. Hence we have countered Newington's approach, but part of me thinks that he will probably accept Newington over us.

As Graham looks like leaving The Dub, one player is definitely staying here. That player is Craig Briers, the club vice-captain.

Saturday, and off to Downpatrick to take on the hosts at Rosconnor Playing Fields in our penultimate pre-season outing. We named the following side for the fixture: O'Brien; Brown, Ferguson, Graham, Turkington; Wilson ©; Blackstock, Cochrane; Hill, Verenka; Worthington. Substitutes: Turk, McVeigh, Hanna, Doyle, Mitchell, McConkey, Capper, Joel Moore, Zabrauteanu, Thompson, McEneaney, McCullagh, Jake Moore, Devlin, McLaughlan.



The game would see us produce our most comprehensive performance in pre-season. We took the lead in the 12th minute when Nicholas Turkington's corner was half cleared by the home defence and recycled by Andrew Ferguson to Gary Brown who swivelled on a proverbial sixpence to drill home a shot and beat the keeper at his near post. Six minutes later we had a second, a barnstorming run from Turkington from deep inside his own half saw him pull the ball back for Ryan Worthington to drill home a low shot from around the penalty spot.

We had a third four minutes into the second half, and a third assist for Turkington. Another corner from the left back/winger was met by a thumping header by Brown who thumped home a header into the net. Despite making a raft of changes, we continued to dominate our hosts and made it 4-0 just after the hour when two of those substitutes combined, Rory McLaughlan teeing up Jonathan Doyle to steer a low shot into the far corner. A fifth arrived ten minutes later, McLaughlan with a well placed shot from just inside the penalty area into the corner. The home side scored a mere consolation in time added on when we couldn't deal with a corner ourselves and home defender Rob McDermott volleyed home.

We head towards the end of July, and our first month in charge here at The Dub. By the time the month is out, we will have played five out of the seven friendlies we have got scheduled. Six new faces have come in, and at the moment ten players have left but who is to say that there might be more incomings and outgoings before the season starts up.

A few days before the fifth friendly, which is an away trip to Chimney Corner and their plastic pitch at Allen Park in Antrim, one time transfer target of ours Ryan Whiteside made a decision on his future. After considering offers from Crewe United, Portstewart and ourselves: the former Tobemore United winger has opted to join Crewe United. With us playing them in our final pre-season game, there's a good chance we might be in opposition that night.

There might be another departure shortly as 20 year old central defender Louis Wilson has received offers from four other clubs, as opposed to staying with us. All four interested sides represent a drop in divisional standard to us though.

The team selected to represent us against Chimney Corner was as follows: McVeigh; Briers ©, Woods, Gordon, McEneaney; McConkey; Blackstock, Hanna; Hill, Zabrauteanu; Doyle. Substitutes: Millar-Wilson, O'Brien, McLaughlan, Thompson, Lavorca, Devlin, Jake Moore, Stewart, Cochrane, Worthington, Joel Moore, Verenka, Capper, Turk, Birnie.



For the second game we dominated the game in the terms of chances created, but failed to trouble the scoreboard. We did miss the clearest opportunity to open the scoring in the first half when Sean Hill was sent tumbling in the area by home defender Michael Scott. Striker Jonathan Doyle stepped up to take up the spot kick but weakly put his effort straight at home custodian Conor Brown. Chimney had another let off just before the hour when Raul Zabrauteanu's free kick was headed across goal by Ben Gordon and forced home by Jake McEneaney. Yet the referee blew for an apparent foul by Gordon which looked questionable to say the least.

Louis Blackstock was our best performer on the day, with Chimney's keeper Brown taking home the Man of the Match beers.

The following day, Stewart's departure was confirmed. He has chosen to ply his trade at Sirocco Works who play at Lady Dixon Park in South Belfast and are managed by former East Belfast player Darren Frame. Our penultimate friendly is on the first Saturday in August when we travel to the Rosconnor Playing Fields in Downpatrick.

Well, the heart rate has gone back to normal now after the thrilling game against Tobemore United. If that's what we are going to go through in the actual season then we are in for quite the ride. At least the direct style is producing a lot of chances for us every game, we just need to take them when presented.

We have had the assistant manager vacancy live for a week, and as of yet there are no applicants to consider talking to. That said, sometimes this can be a very patient process especially when you are trying to build your brand and this will be no exception. We will keep looking. Midweek saw Jeff King arrive at The Dub though; 38 year old Jeff has been brought to boost the scouting system and to share the workload with recently acquired Chief Scout Sammy Kerr.

It's all about these finer details as we look to build something special.

One of our early transfer targets, winger Ryan Whiteside (no, he's not related to "Big" Norman) has received offers from Crewe United and Portstewart who are also in our division. Due to financial constraints, we haven't been able to meet his demands so it's unlikely he will sign for us: meaning it will be probably a straight out and out choice for him between United and the Seahawks.

We go into our fourth pre-season outing at Ballywooley Park on Saturday with a clean bill of health. However, we will probably rotate the team and give a few others some starts whilst retaining the same style of play.

The team to face Bryansburn Rangers was as follows: McVeigh; Briers ©,, Woods, Gordon, Turkington; McConkey; Mclaughlan, Blackstock; Hill, Zabrauteanu; Worthington. Substitutes: Millar-Wilson, O'Brien, Hanna, McEneaney, Stewart, Cochrane, Jake Moore, Birnie, Devlin, Doyle. Lavorca, Verenka, Capper, Joel Moore, Graham



Compared to the game seven days ago against Tobemore United, this was like as sure as night follows day. In other words, instantly forgettable. Neither ourselves or our hosts created anything really of note and the only time that either side did have the ball in the net, it didn't count. That came in the 12th minute when Ryan Worthington collected Ben Gordon's ball forward and lashed in off the underside of the crossbar. However, the referee's assistant had already flagged him offside.

A real bore fest, and from our perspective not what we needed.

Jon Birnie, one of a number of half time substitutions we made, took home the Man of the Match beers.


Post-game it's been clarified we can set up the reserve team, I plan to put the chosen players for that squad in place after our final friendly has been played.

With our third pre-season outing on the horizon against Divisional rival Tobemore United, a side tipped by some to have a season of struggle much like ourselves, we made yet another new signing. Please welcome to The Dub, the following player:

22 year old right winger (capable of also playing behind a striker) Sean Hill, Sean spent three seasons at Warrenpoint Town without making a single appearance for "The Point" and last season was on the books of Banbridge Town before being released in the summer.

We had been on the lookout for a natural right winger, as the squad seemed lacking in one. Sean fits the bill here but hopefully we can another one too as we want cover for all positions in the side. He will debut against Tobemore on Saturday in that position.

One player who might left us was right back Craig Briers, the 26 year old had been targeted by Moyola Park but he's told them that he's not interested in a move and wants to stay at The Dub with us. That said, the first team is a bit large so I have made a suggestion to the board for us to have a reserve team as it will put us on a level playing field with everyone else, and I can have a settled first team pool of around 20 players covering all positions. Hopefully common sense will prevail.

One fixture change though, we will not be playing our final pre-season game at Crumlin Star. This is because of the following:



Saturday, and pre-season matchday three: Tobemore United at The Dub. The squad on duty for this match would be as follows:

Magill; McCullagh, Ferguson, Mitchell, McEneaney; Brown; Wilson ©, Cochrane; Hill, Zabrauteanu; Jake Moore. Substitutes: Briers, O'Brien, Turkington, Doyle, Graham, Verenka, Capper, Lavorca, Blackstock, McConkey, Woods, Hanna, Worthington, Millar-Wilson, Devlin.



What would transpire would be an absolute goal fest of a game. We thought we had taken the lead in the 12th minute when Raul Zabrauteanu (playing in his more favoured left wing role) floated in a free kick and Aaron Cochrane stooped to head in unmarked but our celebrations were cut short by an offside flag against the midfielder. However just after the half hour we were in front when Shane Mulgrew tripped Zabrauteanu in the area; central defender Andrew Ferguson thumped home the spot kick and almost took the net with the power he struck it with. Tobemore equalised just before half time with a superb strike from distance by Tiarnan Rafferty which no keeper on earth would have saved. Yet we would regain the lead in time added on, Mark McCullagh's left wing being headed in at the far post by Ferguson for his second of the afternoon.

We made it 3-1 two minutes into the second half, a lofted ball forward by Briers was picked up by half time substitute Ryan Worthington who lashed an unstoppable effort into the far corner. Back came Tobemore five minutes later when Martin's free kick was too hot to handle for Jordan O'Brien and Daniel McIlhatton poached in the rebound. Worthington turned provider on the hour as we made it 4-2, flicking on a Nicholas Turkington ball forward and newcomer Sean Hill ghosted in to finish from six yards out. Great anticipation by the winger. Tobemore made the final score 4-3 with the last kick of the game, a Stuart Forrest corner being converted by Mulgrew.

Despite scoring twice Ferguson did not get the Man of the Match beers, that honour went to half time substitute Worthington who had a goal and an assist. New signing Hill also had an impressive first outing considering he only joined a few days previous.

More updates coming soon.

Once the season actually does begin seriously, then expect my usual style of graphics to come to the fore. Only doing basic ones for the first pre-season schedule whilst I get used to getting back into the groove again.

Chapter 1 - Start of July 2023:

Couple more new faces to the squad, taking the newcomers total to five. Please welcome to the Dub, the following guys:

20 year old right back Jon Birnie, Jon started his career at Dungannon Swifts and most recently at Queens University so will be on very familiar surroundings indeed.
20 year old striker Jonathan Doyle, Jonathan played 13 games for Lisburn Distillery last season (scoring twice) and started his career at Carrick Rangers for whom he made a single appearance for.

We have also offered a new deal to highly rated striker Jake Moore whom I'm led to believe is the best prospect we have had in recent years.

Welcome to the Dub as well are two new backroom members. Sammy Kerr has filled the void of Chief Scout whilst Callum McGuigan is the new Director of Football. I'm looking forward to working with both. Sammy's first task will be to attend the annual trial day game on 6 July and see if any possible signings can emerge.

Our second pre-season match was played on 8 July as our preparations continue.



The side against Queens Reserves would be as follows:

Magill; McCullagh, Ferguson, Mitchell, McEneaney; Brown; Wilson ©, Blackstock; Zabrauteanut, Turkington; Jake Moore. Substitutes: McVeigh, Briers, Cochrane, Doyle, Graham, Verenka, Capper, Lavorca, Hanna, Thompson, Woods, Devlin, Worthington, Millar-Wilson, McLaughlan.

Once more we racked plenty of chances, twenty plus for the same match going. We thought we had taken the lead in the 23rd minute when striker Raul Zabrauteanu latched onto a loose ball to drill it home. However, striker Jake Moore had drifted into an offside position. The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute; Jake McEneaney with the corner and a thumping far post header from central defender Ben Mitchell into the top corner. We paid the price for missing chances with 16 minutes to go, a Nigel Tipping cross wasn't cleared properly by McEneaney and Adam Green headed it in the path of James McCammon who made no mistake.

Central defender Mitchell took home the Man of the Match beers.

24 hours after taking the reins, we had said bounce game behind closed doors.



I opted to play a 4-3-3 formation but with the emphasis of playing what seems to be far from pure football, playing a lone striker but supplemented by wingers on either side and a box to box central midfield. Not the prettiest style but if it gets us results then I won't care about it one little bit.

The side named for the bounce game was as follows:

McCauley; McCullagh, Ferguson, Mitchell, Courtney; Wharry; Wilson ©, Owens; Roy, Turkington, Tumelty. Subsititutes: Magill, Briers, Cochrane, Moore, McConkey, McEneaney, Capper.

Predictably, the first team came out on top in the game with left winger Nicholas Turkington drilling home inside the first minute following a long goal kick from 'keeper Ben McCauley. The second goal came eight minutes before half time when Turkington's inswinging corner from the right was met by a thumping header from veteran central defender Andrew Ferguson. The scoring was completed on the hour with that man Turkington again involved, his left wing cross being turned in at the near post by substitute Henry Capper.

All the substitutes were given some game time; which is something that we are looking to do through pre-season.

Turkington took the man of the match award for his goal and two assists.


Three days after that pre-season game, the squad had it's first re-shaping with no less than ten players leaving us on pre-arranged transfers. We got three newcomers in on the same day:

18 year old central defender Joel Moore, released by Ballyclare
20 year old Romanian left winger Raul Zabrauteanu, who was on H&W Welders' books last season
37 year old veteran Gary Brown, joining us for a second spell after spending the last nine plus seasons at Ards Rangers. Gary spent six seasons with us between 2007 and 2013, and has also been on the books of top flight sides Larne, Linfield, Crusaders, Glentoran and Glenavon.

New deals were also agreed with a good handful of the squad, all are non-contract basis which is how a lot of teams outside the top two divisions operate. We also agreed new deals for Ferguson, who scored in the bounce game, and Jordan O'Brien until the end of the season as well as starting the search for an assistant manager. Offers have been made to prospective candidates that could fill the Director of Football and Chief Scout positions as well.

We have two new confirmed friendlies to the schedule, these are going to be played against Queens University Belfast reserve team and divisional rivals Tobemore United on consecutive Saturdays. The Queens game will be on 8 July, Tobemore on 15 July.

Obviously due to the high turnover of players, the side will be rotated around to see which players do well and as a result I will be reliant very much on my coaches as I don't have an assistant manager: anyway the only interested assistant managers are asking for much more than we can afford to pay them.

That said I'm hopeful we can get a relatively cheap Director of Football and Chief Scout in place before the season actually starts whilst putting out an advertisement for a number two.

Our first game will be what we term a bounce game between the first and second strings with senior coach Kyle McDowell helping pick the sides in question. Due to the gap between the first and second friendlies, I'm hoping to get additional friendlies in place so we have at least one game a week before the season does start. More games, the more chance the team will gel and match fitness increases.

There's a method in the madness.

Story number 1 is set in Northern ireland, home nation one of the most gifted footballers ever to walk this earth: George Best. The most successful club here is Linfield, a team that has strong affiliations with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers. The Windsor Park side have won 56 titles since their formation in 1886 but have seen upstarts Larne take the 2022-23 crown from them. Larne of course, are bankrolled by Kenny Bruce: he of Purple Bricks fame.

But we're going to try and get a new kid on the block in the honours. We have chosen to pick the following side, and have set ourselves a target of qualifying for Europe inside a maximum of 10 seasons.

PSNI play at a semi professional standard in the third tier of the Northern Irish league, a long way from the standard of the team we are planning to topple in time. With limited transfer funds, actually we have no money to spend, and very little in the bank: we have very little wriggle room at the moment.

Of the current 39 player squad, 10 are leaving for new teams as of 1 July 2023 as they have agreed terms elsewhere with another confirmed to leave in the January transfer window and three more considering offers. However there 13 incoming arrivals coming to counter the departures. Therefore I'm expecting we will have to wheel and deal a plenty in the first few seasons to build up the finances until we get established properly.

We are expected to finish 14th in season one which is bottom of the Premier Intermediate League. Hence, they are expecting a season of struggle for us. Can we disprove the predicted league finish?

One written rule for all stories, the story only ends when the objective is achieved or we get given our P45.

Wish us luck!

2027-28: Who is in the squad?

2027-28: Pre-Season, Part Three: Continuing Preparations

After arriving back from China and being mobbed for photographs just because it is Liverpool in town, the team arrived back on Merseyside to continue their preparations for the 2027-28 season. The team would play two more friendlies before the Community Shield curtain raiser against League Champions and rivals Manchester United. Decisions would be made on the future of Spanish striker Adán who Arsenal had made a mouth-watering bid of £77 million plus add-ons to sign whilst the Reds were in China, as well as which players would make the cut of a 25-man squad as per Premier League rules.

The first of those friendlies came just 24 hours after arrival back, a trip to Highbury (not the Arsenal version) to face Championship side Fleetwood Town. Bearing in mind bigger tests awaited, a side of youngsters and the odd experienced head ventured the 59 miles north to lock horns with the Cod Army.

Pre-Season Game 6


Captained by new Brazilian central defender Juan, a second-string Reds side strolled to a 2-0 victory at Highbury. The Reds opened the scoring on the half hour when young central midfielder Sidney Guiste swung a ball out left and behind the home defence. it was brought down by Welsh forward Ben Woodburn who took a touch before drilling a shot across the keeper and into the far bottom corner. Simplicity as its best.

Three minutes before half time, the lead was doubled. Another ball over the top, this time from Patrick Roberts was brought down by yet another newcomer from Brazil: 19-year-old Jonathas Mello. The teenager took a couple of touches before placing his shot into the bottom corner. There were a raft of changes in the second half, giving both home and visiting fans a chance to see some of the much recognisable names in the Liverpool squad.

Three days came the team's prestigious home friendly, a visit from Serie A giants Milan.

Pre-Season Game 7


Almost 52,000 fans attended Anfield on a showery Sunday afternoon to see the Reds take on Milan. The 18-time Scudetto winners brought a strong squad which included Italian internationalists Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alessio Romagnoli. In fact, it was the latter in Romagnoli who scored the only goal to decide the contest. That goal came after just five minutes when Reds Spanish central defender Jesús Vallejo was a bit too physical in his challenge on Jakub Reznicek resulting in referee Taylor Calver pointing to the spot. Romagnoli stepped up to place the perfect penalty out of the reach of Allisson.

Both sides had chances to increase the number of goals in the game, Reiss Nelson going close twice for the Reds whilst Adrien Rabiot was always at the heartbeat of the Rossoneri's attacks. So. the game ended in a home loss which will have dented Liverpool's confidence a bit with the FA Community Shield just a matter of a week away.

After the game, Duell was asked for an update on the possible transfer out of Adán. The update was short and sweet:

Chapter 95: Clocking up the miles on the road

After losing in midweek to Harrogate Town, Bromley took a break from league action on the Saturday. And it was one heck of a long bus trip for sure, so much so that the team travelled up on the Friday. Their destination, Gayfield Park in Arbroath: a distance of 511 miles and that was just one way! 85 hardy souls also made the journey too to cheer the team on, some dedication that. The potential reward for overcoming their Scottish hosts? A place in the last eight.

TUNNOCK'S CARAMEL WAFER CHALLENGE CUP
Fourth Round: Arbroath 0 - 1 Bromley (0 - 0)

One goal was all it needed to separate Arbroath and Bromley in the Fourth Round stage of this season's Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup. The visitors who had qualified after finishing second in the National League last season, had already disposed of one Scottish League side in Cowdenbeath and were keen to add another. For the game, Bromley manager Basil Brush went with a bold 4-4-2 formation with three changes from the side that lost at Harrogate Town in midweek. Anthony Wise replaced Blair Malcolm, Joey Jones was in for Ruben Sammut who was on international duty with Malta whilst Vadaine Oliver came into a front two with Dylan Duncan dropped.

The visitors dominated the game from the first whistle to the last with the home side reduced to playing second best. However, they thought they had taken the lead in first half added on time. A well flighted free-kick from Christy Mazinga was headed home off the post by left winger Cameron Salkeld but the home celebrations were cut short with a linesman's flag for an offside offence by the goalscorer. Midway through the second half, Bromley scored what turned out to be the winner. Some good interplay between substitute Scott Cusick and Oliver saw the former Celtic trainee weight a wonderful slide rule pass back to the striker who managed to get goal side of Alex Petkov and drill a low shot across the stranded Darren Jamieson and into the far corner of the net.

Despite a late flurry of activity, Bromley held on to secure that last eight berth.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Wise (Malcolm); Teggart, Jones (Cusick), Bingham ©, Addy (Coulson); Oliver, Cheek
Booked: Lawrence-Gabriel (2)
Man of the Match: Vadaine Oliver
Referee: Mike Roncone (Dundee)

After the game it was confirmed that Bromley would be at home in the quarter-finals. Their opponents were as declared as:


That quarter-final will be played on Sunday 14 November 2022 at Hayes Lane. The home game against York City which had been scheduled that weekend has been re-arranged for Tuesday 8 November 2022.

Chapter 95: Inconsistency isn't the answer, it's the problem!

October arrived and with it, the latest announcement of the National League awards. Basil knew in his own heart he personally would win absolutely nada, but if a player could win something then it would be a lift to everyone around. Thus it came to knowing who the National League Player of the Month for September 2021 was going to be, and a broad smile beamed across Basil's face when it was announced that Bingham had won it. As it was also game day against lowly Altrincham at Hayes Lane, Basil was preparing what he was going to say when Jon (McCarthy) wandered into the office.

"How do gaffer, seen the latest monthly league award winners?" Jon said.
"Yeah, great isn't it?"
"Eh?"
"Billy, player of the month. Deserves it. I'm going to congratulate him when he gets here."
"I wouldn't if I was you gaffer."
"Why? Is he not into these awards of something? Likes to keep a low profile?"
"No, it's not that. Look carefully."

Basil looked Jon's phone, it definitely showed Bingham as the winner. But the winner was Cheltenham striker Rakish Bingham and not the Bromley skipper. Although the captain had recorded higher match ratings, the former Hartlepool United front man had banged in seven goals in five games and thus was the panel's choice. Basil's head thudded against his desk in frustration. Still the skip had finished in the top three, surely that wasn't that bad was it? And with that Basil went back to his pre-match planning and tactics board.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 13: Bromley 3 - 2 Altrincham (0 - 0)

After an impressive away win at Gander Green Lane last time out, Basil made just one change to the starting eleven with TQ Addy replacing Luke Coulson which meant Eoin Teggart switched to the right wing. Blair Malcolm had been declared fit to play despite his hamstring being tender so as a precaution Anthony Wise was on the substitutes bench in case the Scot suffered a re-occurrence of the injury. Better to be safe than sorry.

The game itself saw Bromley dominate from the first whistle yet the biggest surprise was the teams were goalless at the break, Altrincham's rearguard action proving very frustrating for the Bromley support and manager alike. However, four minutes after the restart, that resistance was broken when referee Simon Barrow pointed to the spot after Peter Clarke upended Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel. As always, Michael Cheek assumed responsibility from twelve yards and sent Jordan Amissah the wrong way for his eighth of the season. Two minutes later, Bromley went two up thanks to a second goal from Cheek. A corner from Billy Bingham was flicked in by the striker from the edge of the six yard box for 2-0.

A third goal in a ten minute spell duly arrived in the 59th minute, and Bromley were cruising on easy street. Instead of crossing the ball into the danger area, Teggart pulled the ball back to the edge of the box where Bingham produced another trademark thunderbolt into the top corner for his fourth of the season. Little had been seen in terms of an attacking threat by the visitors but they pulled one back with their first effort in the entire match. A cross from the right by Andy White was volleyed home by Dan Mooney and gave the 76 away fans something to believe in.

They believed more four minutes from time when their side scored a second. Another cross from the right, this time from Tyler Morton, and Josh Hancock directed his header into the far corner of Ryan Huddart's net. It set up a thrilling finish, but the Ravens held on for three more points.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Malcolm (Wise); Teggart, Duncan (Rush), Sammut, Bingham ©, Addy; Cheek
Booked: Teggart (1), Ransom (3)
Man of the Match: Billy Bingham
Attendance: 1,581
Position After Game: 3rd

48 hours later, Bromley discovered their opponents in the fourth qualifying round of this season's Emirates FA Cup. The Ravens were given an away tie at Herne Bay, just an hour's drive away from Hayes Lane. With a place in the First Round Proper awaiting the winners, Basil saw this as a ticking off exercise as the Board were expecting the team to make it to this stage. That aside, another league game was looming large on the horizon as Bromley aimed to haul in leaders Barnet.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 14: Harrogate Town 2 - 1 Bromley (0 - 0)

The games were coming thick and fast, as the midweek encounter with Harrogate Town was to be Bromley's 14th game of the season and we had only started in October. For the game at Wetherby Road, Basil chose to name an unchanged line up despite the team squeaking home just 72 hours ago. That meant Teggart and Addy remained on the wings supporting lone striker Cheek who was looking to add yet more goals to his account.

The first half finished goalless but the visitors had had one chalked in the 22nd minute when Addy headed in from close range after Dylan Duncan had headed Bingham's free kick back into the danger area. The Ravens left winger had been adjudged to be in an offside position as he connected. Nine minutes after the restart, the visiting fans were celebrating as Bromley took the lead. Teggart had his run into the area baulked by Stephen Mallon leaving referee Dean Treleaven in no doubt but to award the penalty. Cheek, as designated penalty taker, stepped up and drilled the kick into the bottom corner for his 10th of the season.

Harrogate equalised in the 63rd minute. Lawrence-Gabriel lost possession on the right hand side of the penalty area to the home side's Freddie Hinds. Hinds still had a lot to do but proceeded to run into the vacant space before curling an effort away from Huddart to make it 1-1 on the night. Then with 14 minutes to go, the home team scored their winner. Mallon, who had been at fault for Bromley's goal, turned from villain to hero with a quickly taken free kick into the path of Ged Garner who beat Huddart with a rising effort at the keeper's near post.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Malcolm; Teggart (Coulson), Duncan,, Sammut, Bingham ©, Addy (Rush); Cheek
Booked: Teggart, Sammut (2)
Man of the Match: Billy Bingham
Attendance: 1,533
Position After Game: 4th

Chapter 94: Wake me up when September ends, oh it has....

Just one game remained in September 2021 for Basil and Bromley, and that was with rivals Sutton United at Gander Green Lane. Sutton were still probably smarting from the fact that the Ravens had knocked them out of last season's play-offs, and had brought in seven new faces in the summer. Despite their mid-table position, Basil was not underestimating the home side as he prepared for his team's latest test.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 12: Sutton United 0 - 2 Bromley (0 - 0)

Bromley made the short hop across to Gander Green Lane for a lunchtime kick off with hosts Sutton United. The game was live on BT Sport as part of their continued backing of the National League, so Basil saw this as a good opportunity for his team to showcase their talents nationwide. The Ravens manager chose to name an unchanged side from the side that had drawn at home to Yeovil seven days earlier. This was despite winger Luke Coulson not being fully fit after picking a muscle injury in training in the days before the game.

The first half ended goalless with Bromley firmly on the back foot. The nearest either side came to breaking the deadlock was three minutes from half time when Sutton winger Will Randall curled in a free-kick that Ryan Huddart in the Ravens goal did well to push out to safety before a home player could pounce. However, the deadlock was broken in the 58th minute. A wonderful through ball from Billy Bingham found Eoin Teggart in space and the Portsmouth loanee put in a low teasing cross which Michael Cheek poached home before Marcel Wusiewicz could claim. It was the striker's seventh of the season and 50th league goal for the Ravens since joining in May 2019.

That opener gave Bromley confidence, and they sealed the points with a second goal 17 minutes from time. Substitute TQ Addy weighted a pass through the heart of the Sutton defence, looking for the run of Cheek. However as the striker looked to latch onto it, Sutton defender Ben Goodliffe got a foot in to attempt to intercept but diverted the ball wide of Wusiewicz and watched it roll agonisingly and slowly into his own net.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Malcolm; Coulson (Addy), Duncan (Jones), Sammut, Bingham ©, Teggart; Cheek
Man of the Match: Harry Ransom
Attendance: 2,717
Position After Game: 3rd

Midweek saw the team receive a couple of nice boosts in the way of players signing new contracts. First up on Tuesday was skipper Bingham who signed a one year extension to his deal which expires in the summer. The fan reaction was nothing short of delight, and Basil was equally delighted as the skipper is an integral part of the overall masterplan. 24 hours later, young Scottish midfielder Scott Cusick signed a similar deal which was also equally well received by the Ravens fanbase.

However, on the eve of Saturday's home game against Altrincham Blair Malcolm suffered a tightness in his hamstring. Thankfully it was not as bad as it could have been, although Basil had the contingency plan of Anthony Wise being available. It would be a game time decision for the defender.

Chapter 93: Losing happens, but it's how to bounce back that matters

As Basil waved the Lads back to Bromley after that Chesterfield loss, he pondered. He was going to have a few days just up the A61 in Sheffield, seeing people he hadn't seen in a long time. It would also release a bit of tension he could sense, and give him that bit of time away from the pressures of football management. Granted Bromley were in a nice position, fourth, but as the coach pulled away Basil realised that there was still plenty of football to be played. We were only in the middle of September after all.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 10: Bromley 4 - 2 Solihull Moors (2 - 2)

Bromley's next game after that Chesterfield loss was the first of back to back home games. Visiting Hayes Lane in midweek would be table toppers Solihull Moors, a team that had made an unbeaten start to the season. Basil made a couple of changes to the side, and both were midfield related. Out went Ben Allen and Scott Cusick, and replacing them were Dylan Duncan and Luke Coulson in like for like swaps. The team remained in a 4-5-1 formation for the second successive fixture.

The loss at Chesterfield seemed to have hurt Bromley as they made the worst possible start, Moors scoring the game's opening goal after just six minutes play. Charlie Kinsella's free-kick saw Harrison Holgate and Mark McManus tussle with the latter going to ground under the former's challenge. Penalty Solihull. Up stepped Adam George to make no mistake from twelve yards. Nine minutes later, Bromley were level when a superb slide rule pass from top scorer Michael Cheek found Duncan breaking from midfield and the former QPR man kept his composure to slot the ball past the advancing Shaun Rowley for his maiden Bromley goal.

Just after the half hour, Moors hit the front yet again. Some neat interchange passes saw the ball land at the feet of James Ball 25 yards out and the former Bolton trainee drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. The lead lasted just five minutes, Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel sending Duncan rampaging down the right and he returned the favour for Cheek to prod home a shot that crept under Rowley into the net. There were no goals after that so the teams went into the half time break level in an already absorbing contest.

The game ebbed and flow in the second half too, and it took an inspired substitution to break the tie. Portsmouth loanee Eoin Teggart had struggled to adapt to his new surroundings but his introduction in the 64th minute changed the game. Four minutes after coming on, the boy from Ballynahinch put the Ravens into a lead they would never relinquish. It was a beautiful solo effort by the winger that saw him skip away from three Moors challenges before placing a shot under Rowley and into the far corner. Then he sealed the points in injury time, finding the top corner to cap a counter attack when Moors pushed for an equaliser in a bid to preserve their unbeaten record.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom (Wise), Malcolm; Coulson, Duncan, Sammut (Jones), Bingham ©, Addy (Teggart); Cheek
Booked: Addy, Ransom (2)
Man of the Match: Eoin Teggart
Attendance: 1,454
Position After Game: 4th

"It was a mini blip", that's what Basil was saying to the media when questioned about the resilience of Bromley post-game. Could they make it two from two on the Saturday?

Vanarama National League
Matchday 11: Bromley 1 - 1 Yeovil Town (0 - 0)

After their midweek win against the then leaders of the National League, Bromley went into Saturday's game with renewed optimism that they could rise back up the table. Basil made one change from the 4-2 victory over Solihull, Moors match winner Teggart was rewarded with a start in place of TQ Addy. Otherwise Bromley fielded the same team and in the same formation for a third game in succession.

Like the midweek game, this game was full of entertainment and chances. Yet the real drama happened in the final four minutes. With 86 minutes on the clock, Bromley skipper Billy Bingham curled a free-kick into the top corner to give his side the lead. Then as the home fans bayed for the final whistle, the game had one final twist. Alex John lofted one last ball forward into the path of Lawson D'Ath, and the attacking midfielder took one touch before thumping an unstoppable shot from outside the box that whizzed past Ryan Huddart and silence the home crowd.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Malcolm; Coulson, Duncan, Sammut (Rush), Bingham ©, Teggart (Addy); Cheek
Booked: Sammut (1), Cheek (3)
Man of the Match: Billy Bingham
Attendance: 1,693
Position After Game: 6th

Chapter 92: You gotta lose sometime, right?

September arrived and with it, another batch of fixtures for Basil and Bromley. The least important trophy of the four would start off proceedings before five more Vanarama National League fixtures: taking the total to twelve all ready by the time the month was out. Obviously Basil wanted to win them all, what manager wouldn't but equally he was sure there would be a bump in the road sometime. The media attention was whether Bromley could break Crawley's record, which would be nice, but as Basil prepared his squad: that was just a media statistic and if it happened, well it happened.

TUNNOCK'S CARAMEL WAFER CHALLENGE CUP
Third Round: Bromley 2 - 1 Cowdenbeath (1 - 1)

Bromley's first experience of the Scottish equivalent of the Papa John's Trophy ended up being a winning one as a late winner propelled them into the last 16. Basil had originally planned to give some of his fringe players a go, but the international call up for Ruben Sammut and the injury to Mark Cousins changed that thought. He would now treat it seriously and name a strong line up instead. That line up showed a couple of changes from the side that won at Dagenham and Redbridge. Mohammed Sangaré replaced the unavailable Sammut in central midfield whilst Harry Ransom was rested to allow Joey Jones to make his first start of the season after an injury absence.

The Blue Brazil took the lead in the 24th minute with a thumping shot from distance by Fionn McLeod-Kay scorched into the net, and sent the 8 away fans dancing with delight. Bromley levelled nine minutes before half time, a cross to the back post from Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel evaded all bar TQ Addy who half volleyed his effort across Jordan Millar and into the far bottom corner for his third in as many games. Both teams went for it after that as the fans were treated to an end to end encounter. There would be drama though.

As the game entered time added on, and the possibility of penalties, Cowdenbeath's Harvey Swann curled a free kick against the crossbar with Ryan Huddart beaten all ends up. Ben Allen hooked his clearance out to Michael Cheek out on the left wing and suddenly the counter was on. Cheek bombed down the wing then measured a cross onto the head of the supporting Scott Cusick who sent the home fans, and his manager, into delirium with his late, late winner. Cusick had only been on the pitch since the 78th minute but what an impact!

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Jones, Malcolm; Coulson (Allen), Sangaré (Cusick), Bingham ©, Addy; Oliver (Boorn), Cheek
Man of the Match: Fionn McLeod-Kay (Cowdenbeath)
Attendance: 1,222
Referee: Lloyd Wood (Dagenham)

The following day, the draw for the last 16 as well as the quarter-finals was made. Bromley's reward? A long bus ride to Arbroath, whose ground is the closest to the sea as the North Sea regularly batters the stadium on windy days. Should they succeed in that, then a quarter-final home tie against either Airdrie or Morton would be Bromley's next opponents. Basil looked at the Arbroath squad, and one name stood out and that was of loanee from St Mirren: Oan Djorkaeff. Surely no relation Basil thought. But it was, it was the son of former French internationalist and Bolton Wanderers legend Youri. He would need some special attention if he played.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 8: Bromley 3 - 1 Gloucester City (1 - 1)

No respite for Basil and his team as midweek would bring the rearranged game against National League newcomers Gloucester City at Hayes Lane. Bromley showed three changes from the side that started against Cowdenbeath. Matchwinner Cusick replaced Sangaré in central midfield, Ransom came back into central defence whilst Ben Allen made his first start in place of Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel who was injured in the closing stages of the Cowdenbeath victory. Allen's inclusion on the right wing saw Luke Coulson drop back to right back. In the Gloucester side was former Bromley midfielder David Boateng, on loan from Bolton Wanderers.

The game didn't begin well as Gloucester took the lead inside five minutes. A free kick from Joe Hanks was met by the head of Josh Olatubosun and the header was precise enough to beat Huddart in the home goal. Hanks though would see his evening end nine minutes further on when he received a straight red from referee Paul Rees for a late challenge on Addy. Five minutes after being given the numerical advantage, Bromley levelled matters when a cross from Addy was volleyed superbly into the far corner by the returning Allen.

It was a physical encounter with the referee being kept busy, and cards being produced at regular intervals. Eight minutes after the restart, Bromley edged ahead when a cross from Cheek was headed in by Allen for his second goal of the game. The points were sealed with a third goal in the 76th minute. Billy Bingham curled in a free kick, and Ransom's header had enough power to beat Lewis Clayton despite the stopper getting a hand to it. It was the Millwall loanee's second goal of the season.

Team: Huddart; Coulson, Holgate (Gubbins), Ransom, Malcolm; Allen, Cusick (Sangaré ), Bingham ©, Addy; Oliver (Boorn), Cheek
Booked: Cheek (2), Allen (1)
Man of the Match: Ben Allen
Attendance: 1,428
Position After Game: 3rd

Vanarama National League
Matchday 9: Chesterfield 2 - 1 Bromley (0 - 0)

The third game in seven days saw Bromley head north again and this time arrive in the town that has a crooked spire. It was destination Chesterfield and a visit to the Proact Stadium, and a chance once more for Basil to show the Spireites board what they were missing out when they didn't appoint him a year ago. For the game, Bromley showed a couple of changes from midweek. Lawrence-Gabriel had been passed fit to return at right back whilst Sammut was back from his international duties and replaced Vadaine Oliver as Bromley went back to a 4-5-1 formation.

Bromley thought they had taken the lead in the 10th minute. Allen clipped in a free kick which was headed into the net by Cheek for what he thought was his sixth goal of the season. However the prolific striker's celebration were muted almost immediately when a linesman's flag was in the air. And so the teams traded chances but ended the first half scoreless. Bromley took the lead in the 58th minute when a Lawrence-Gabriel cross was headed out by John Johnson as far as Addy who teed up Bingham who smashed in a long range bullet past the helpless Luke Coddington.

Chesterfield weren't behind for long though as they equalised almost immediately with a long range strike of their own, Charlie Wakefield scoring a 25 yard thunderbolt that Huddart was nowhere near. The winner came six minutes later, Wakefield with the free kick and Joe Rowley got there before Huddart to head into the net. So a first league loss in 26 for Bromley, how will they respond to it?

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Malcolm; Allen, Cusick (Coulson), Sammut (Gubbins), Bingham ©, Addy (Oliver); Cheek
Booked: Malcolm (3), Cusick (1), Addy (1), Lawrence-Gabriel (2), Coulson (1)
Man of the Match: Charlie Wakefield (Chesterfield)
Attendance: 4,054
Position After Game: 4th

Chapter 91: Steps in the right direction

Three games remained in the opening month for Basil and his Bromley side. It had been a tough month but the philosophy was to try and remain unbeaten from it. If the team could do that then Basil would be very much content indeed. Make a solid start was the latest mantra Basil preached at training, because it could easily define how the season would turn. Last season Bromley had had an unpredictable opening month which then spiralled out of control until Basil arrived on the scene.

With just one automatic promotion spot, Bromley needed to make that strong beginning their manager demanded from them.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 5: Wrexham 0 - 0 Bromley (0 - 0)

The fifth game of the season saw Bromley travel to North East Wales to take on their toughest assignment of the season so far. Their opponents? Wrexham. The Red Dragons were in their 13th season of National League football since being relegated at the end of 2007-08 season, but Bromley were keen to make a statement.

For the game, Basil opted to name an unchanged side from the side that started the 1-1 draw with Morecambe in midweek. The away side dominated the game from start to finish but it was their profligacy in front of goal that meant that they would end up going back to the South East with one point instead of three. The nearest any side got to scoring came in the opening minute of the second half, Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel with an angled shot on goal that thudded against Jake Eastwood's far post.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom (Gubbins), Wise, Reay, Malcolm (Duncan), Sammut (Coulson), Bingham ©, Addy, Cheek
Booked: Malcolm (1)
Man of the Match: Harrison Holgate
Attendance: 5,815
Position After Game: 9th


Vanarama National League
Matchday 6: Bromley 3 - 1 Boreham Wood (2 - 1)

The days between the visit to Wrexham and Boreham Wood's visit to Hayes Lane had been quiet. Apart from Anthony Wise picking up a slight knock in training to his knee which caused him to rest up for three days, the only news was that Ruben Sammut had been named in the Maltese international squad for their games against Georgia and Northern Ireland. It would mean the midfielder would miss the Cowdenbeath game and also the rescheduled home match against Gloucester City.

Boreham Wood's visit saw Brush name an unchanged side again and the team get off to a flying start with two goals in the first seven minutes! In the second minute, a corner from Billy Bingham was weakly headed out to TQ Addy ten yards out and the winger lashed in an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Five minutes later, Basil was doing his Mourinho jig down the touchline again as the Ravens doubled their lead. Picking up a pass from Lawrence-Gabriel 25 yards out, skipper Bingham lashed one of his trademark exocet missile shot that just flew into the goal. The fact Bingham hit it first time without taking a touch to steady himself made it all that more special, not a bad way to open your goalscoring account for the new season.

The Wood halved the deficit in the 20th minute when Michael Sparkes headed home a Ryan Alebiosu cross past Ryan Huddart. Yet they were second best on the day, and the points were wrapped with nine minutes to go. A lofted in free kick by Bingham was met by a towering header from centre back Harrison Holgate that clipped the inside of the far post and then in. Another case of job done well.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Wise, Reay (Coulson), Malcolm (Duncan), Sammut, Bingham ©, Addy, Cheek (Oliver)
Man of the Match: Billy Bingham
Attendance: 1,293
Position After Game: 4th

With no game scheduled for the Saturday, Basil decided to undertake a light training session but like anything: it didn't go with any problems coming out of it. Experienced number two goalkeeper Mark Cousins left in a bit of discomfort, and was rushed to the local hospital for a quick assessment. Doctors confirmed Basil's worst fears, Cousins was diagnosed with tendonitis in his knee through eventual wear and tear and a spell on the sidelines for up to nine weeks but a minimum of seven. With no funds available to sanction a short term loan deal, unless the loaning club would pay the full amount of the wages (which was highly doubtful), youth team prospect Will Todd would have to step up to become Ryan Huddart's deputy.

Basil just hoped that Huddart wouldn't get injured himself, then he would have a real goalkeeping crisis on his hands. And he didn't want that at all cost.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 7: Dagenham and Redbridge 0 - 2 Bromley (0 - 2)

That hectic first month would end up with the short trip to Dagenham and Redbridge. Basil, being the joker that he's always been, quipped that Bromley would be playing twice on August Bank Holiday Monday: first half against Dagenham and second half against Redbridge! But seriously, this was a chance to finish the opening month with another win. For this game, the side showed two changes from the side that won so well against Boreham Wood. Wise's knee had flared up again so Blair Malcolm reverted to left back from central midfield. With the team moving to 4-4-2, it meant a start for Vadaine Oliver up front alongside Michael Cheek. The other change saw Luke Coulson replace Andrew Reay in a like for like change on the right wing.

Once more the Ravens made a flying start, two goals in the first six minutes. The opener came in the fourth minute when a hanging corner from Bingham found its way through to Cheek at the far post and the striker finished confidently for his fifth of the season. However, the second one was another highlight reel goal. After playing a quick give and go with Cheek, Addy strode forward before hitting an effort from over 30 yards that Elliot Justham in the home goal never saw until it had whizzed past him and hit the back of the net. A really special effort.

It was a rather even game with both teams creating chances. Yet Bromley held on for yet another win and extend that streak which now stands at a remarkable 25 matches, just five behind Crawley's National League record of 30 set in the 2010-11 season. The game also saw the Bromley debut for Scott Cusick, a midfielder Basil had signed from Celtic in the summer.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom (Gubbins), Malcolm; Coulson (Allen), Sammut (Cusick), Bingham ©, Addy; Oliver, Cheek
Booked: Lawrence-Gabriel (1), Malcolm (2)
Man of the Match: Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel
Attendance: 1,545
Position After Game: 3rd

Chapter 90: 22 and counting...

Winning at Mill Farm in midweek exorcised the ghost of losing there last season, and Basil was a very happy manager when he boarded the bus home that night. It was also a bit of a statement as well. AFC Fylde were again one of the team expected to do well so to take maximum points off them on their patch, well it was a sign already that Bromley weren't going to be dubbed one season wonders. Or should that read half season wonders since Basil had taken over halfway through the campaign last season? Either way, the mood was certainly buoyant as the coach meandered its way down the M1 back to the South East.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 3: Bromley 3 - 1 Stockport County (3 - 1)

Bromley came back from the shock of conceding an early goal to see off Stockport County at Hayes Lane and continue their incredible unbeaten streak. After their midweek victory at title rivals AFC Fylde, Basil named an unchanged line up for Stockport's visit. This meant that young full back Anthony Wise kept his place after an impressive outing at Mill Farm. However, Stockport made the better start and took the lead after just four minutes. A patient build up by the visitors saw the ball land at the feet of Elliot Osborne fully 30 yards out and he drilled a low shot into the bottom corner giving Ryan Huddart in the home goal no chance whatsoever.

Bromley drew level eight minutes later. A run into the box from full back Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel was halted by Mazeed Ogungbo and referee Stephen Ross had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Michael Cheek stepped up and produced the perfect penalty into the bottom corner for his third goal of the season. In the 15th minute, Bromley took the lead. A goalmouth scramble ended with Ruben Sammut poking in his first ever goal for the Ravens from inside the six yard box. Not the prettiest goal Sammut will ever score but important all the same. A third arrived on the half hour, Billy Bingham with the dangerous inswinging free kick and central defender Harry Ransom powered home a close range header.

Despite the promptings of Osborne, Stockport couldn't breach the home back line again and Bromley continued to extend their impressive unbeaten streak.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Wise; Malcolm, Sammut (Gubbins), Bingham ©; Teggart (Coulson), Addy; Cheek (Oliver)
Man of the Match: Elliot Osborne (Stockport County)
Attendance: 1,935
Position After Game: 5th

The busy opening month would continue three days later as Bromley were on their travels again. Once more, it would be a long trek north.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 4: Morecambe 1 - 1 Bromley (1 - 1)

Bromley dominated their away game at the Globe Arena but in the end had to settle for a point which extends their unbeaten run to an astonishing 22 games and counting. The Ravens showed a single change from the side that defeated Stockport 3-1 at the weekend. Out went on loan Portsmouth winger Eoin Teggart to be replaced by youngster Andrew Reay who was making his full debut for the Club.

The away side made the best possible start with a goal after just 50 seconds on the clock. A corner from Bingham was powered home at the far post by Cheek for the striker's fourth of the season, all in the last three games. Yet Morecambe were level in the ninth minute when Cole Stockton weighted a pass behind the Bromley defence and former West Ham trainee Sean Adarkwa angled a shot into the far corner. Chances were spurned after that and the teams eventually shook hands on a draw.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Wise; Malcolm (Duncan), Sammut (Gubbins), Bingham ©; Reay, Addy (Coulson); Cheek
Booked: Cheek (1)
Man of the Match: Jordan Cranston (Morecambe)
Attendance: 1,428
Position After Game: 7th

Chapter 89: Under starters orders

This was it, the start of the new 2021-22 National League campaign for Bromley and Basil Brush. After the disappointment of the Play-Off Final in May, it was time to reset and go again. Could the Ravens take that next step forward and move into League Two for the first time ever? That was the question that was buzzing around Hayes Lane as the fans gathered for that first game.

Vanarama National League
Matchday 1: Bromley 0 - 0 Stevenage (0 - 0)

Basil gave five of his new faces a starting berth as the Ravens took on Stevenage in the new season's opening day. Making the first starts were Harry Ransom, Blair Malcolm, Ruben Sammut , Dylan Duncan and Eoin Teggart with a fellow new face in Joe Gubbins on the bench. Unfortunately there was little for the fans to cheer over as the teams shook hands on a goalless draw. Stevenage had had the best of the chances but a point apiece was the end result.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom, Malcolm (Wise); Sammut (Gubbins); Duncan, Bingham ©; Addy, Teggart (Coulson); Cheek
Booked: Holgate, Bingham (1)
Man of the Match: Harrison Holgate (Bromley)
Attendance: 1,936
Position After Game: 13th

After sharing a glass of Merlot with Emma Hayes, Basil's attentions focused onto midweek. Midweek would see Bromley make the long trip north to Mill Farm to take on AFC Fylde. The Coasters, who had been predicted to win last season's title but fell away as Bromley, had inflicted the last league loss on Basil's side: 5-3 at Mill Farm in January. Therefore Basil was keen as mustard to put that particular record straight and extend Bromley's National League unbeaten record to an astonishing 20 games. Could they make it happen?

Vanarama National League
Matchday 2: AFC Fylde 1 - 2 Bromley (0 - 1)

After a goalless draw in their opening game, Bromley went a result better in their first away game of the season at Mill Farm and as a result avenged their 5-3 loss at the same venue last season. Last season's National League top scorer Michael Cheek was the matchwinner for Basil Brush's Ravens with his first goals of the season. For this game, Brush made a sole change from the side that had drawn with Stevenage: Young full back Anthony Wise came into the starting eleven at the expense of Dylan Duncan allowing Malcolm to move into a central midfield three.

Bromley opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Cheek directed home a header after Billy Bingham had swung in a cross from a corner routine. That corner had come about when Fylde keeper James Montgomery, a distant relative of Sunderland FA Cup winner Jimmy, had pushed a penalty from Cheek around the post: the penalty given for a reckless challenge on TQ Addy by Luke Burke. The away side were under pressure constantly and were thankful to Ryan Huddart for a series of saves to deny the homesters. That said, Bromley thought they had had a second in the 33rd when Bingham played a perfect pass through the home defence and Cheek finished with aplomb but the celebrations were cut short with a linesman's flag against the Bromley number 10.

They did get their second seven minutes into the second half though. The architect was young full back Wise who made an attacking run down the left before measuring a cross that Cheek nodded into the bottom corner from six yards out. That was the cue for Fylde to unleash an attacking onslaught but Bromley were resilient in defence. The home side did break through eventually and that came in the fifth minute of five minutes added on when John O'Sullivan produced a delightful solo finish past Huddart. Yet that was as good as it was for the home team and they slipped to their second defeat of the season whilst Bromley moved into the top echelons of the table.

Team: Huddart; Lawrence-Gabriel, Holgate, Ransom (Gubbins), Wise; Malcolm, Sammut (Oliver), Bingham ©; Teggart (Coulson), Addy; Cheek
Booked: Ransom (1)
Man of the Match: Billy Bingham (Bromley)
Attendance: 1,455
Position After Game: 8th

Friday saw Bromley find their opponents out in the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup Third Round. Visiting Hayes Lane were the Blue Brazil themselves, Cowdenbeath. The draw went down well with one of the team, Blair Malcolm, when the news broke at training. The Scot, a new arrival at Hayes Lane this season, had two seasons at Central Park before joining Alloa for whom he is on loan to Bromley from. The same draw saw fierce Northern Irish rivals Glentoran and Linfield also drawn together and as a former Glens player, Basil's interest piqued no end.

That game would be played on Saturday 4 September meaning that the home league game against Gloucester City, originally planned for that date, was to be moved. The new date for that game, Tuesday 7 September. Next game mind, Stockport County at Hayes Lane. Build on that win in midweek was the mantra Basil left the players with as they headed down the tunnel to face the Hatters.

Chapter 88: Decision making exercises

With the season just 48 hours away, Basil sat down with Jerry in the boardroom at Hayes Lane to discuss what were going to be club's priorities for the new campaign. Compared to last season, the Club was in four competitions instead of three. The extra competition had come about after Bromley's second placed finish last season. That new competition was the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup, a competition to the Papa John's Trophy in England. Bromley would enter at the Third Round stage, the final 32.

So what was Jerry expecting his manager in 2021-22? Basil was keen to find out.

"Right Basil, you know why you're here don't you?"
"Yep, sure do Jerry. To discuss the Club's expectations for the new season."
"Bang on. Let's start with the National League since that's the bread and butter so to speak. I will be happy, as Club Chairman, to finish top half of the table. Granted we finished second last season, which was phenomenal, but we need to be realistic here Basil. This squad, with all the new additions we've made, is capable of a top half finish. What's your take Basil?"
"Spot on Jerry, we have the quality to finish in the top half here. The media have us to finish 6th and that will do me actually, it would put us in the Play-Offs and as you know: anything can happen with those. So we're in agreement here."

Jerry noted the thoughts down.

"Next, the FA Cup. Obviously we aren't going to win it, I mean it'll be probably be the biggest surprise ever if we did but we aren't going to see the FA Cup here anytime soon. Well, unless the nationwide tour of the trophy stops here. What do round we enter in, remind me."
"Fourth Qualifying Round, round before the First Round Proper Jerry."
"Well if we make the First Round Proper, that'll do. Basil?"
"I'd like to go a bit further Jerry but that's down to getting decent draws. Imagine getting someone like Manchester City, United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Arsenal here Jerry. We'd make a fair bit from that."
"I'd like West Ham myself Basil haha."
"Whatever Jerry, I'd like the Second Round to be a realistic aim. But if you're happy with making First Round Proper Jerry then who am I to think otherwise?"

Jerry noted again.

"FA Trophy next Basil. We underachieved last season in this but that's not down to you Basil, you arrived after the exit. I'd like us to do better and better as in the last eight. It's not beyond us."
"I like your optimism Jerry. Yes, note that one down."

And the Chairman duly did.

"Last one, the most least important one in my eyes. Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup; what the heck? Just give a decent showing and try not to get embarrassed results wise. Let's give them a game, whoever we get!"
"Yeah. Anything else to discuss?"
"No that covers it well, let's have a season to remember. Good luck."
"Thanks Jerry, and no contract talks until I feel it's the right time. End of."
"I'll remember that, and you can tell me to shut up if I do start talking about contracts at any time."
"Oh, I will. Believe you me Jerry, I will."

So that was the annual pre-season chat done with. Now time to focus on Saturday and a first ever female opposing manager in the other dugout in the shape of Emma Hayes. Whilst Basil was all for equality in football, there would be no favours Saturday, none at all. Football management is a dog eat dog world, especially in the men's game, and Basil wanted to be a perennial winner. If that meant taking three points off Ms. Hayes and her Stevenage side on Saturday then so be it. Period.

Chapter 87: Preparations complete, now time for the real thing

Basil reflected in the home dressing room after the home friendly draw with Lincoln that his reshaped Bromley side still had a lot to improve on. Last season had ended in a disappointing conclusion and it would be a much changed line up that would start the new campaign. The team would still play to Basil's footballing principles but the question that Basil was asking himself: Did we overachieve last season?

As the days ticked closer to the final pre-season friendly at Dunstable, the media intensity increased. The Non-League Paper did their regular pre-season preview, and Basil was amazed at what he read:



So that's what the media think, eh? Basil said to himself as he put the newspaper down on his desk. Time to show them a thing or two. Michael Cheek was also being predicted to top the goalscoring charts for a second successive season by the same pundits. Cheek had hit 31 last season, and 44 in just 80 games since arriving at Hayes Lane in the summer of 2019. The bookies had him as 4/5 favourite to win it. No pressure then. Young striker Ollie Tanner had been impressing Basil in training so much that he was pushing for a start against Dunstable when he went down in pain three days before said game under a heavy but fair challenge from Harrison Holgate. The youngster's anguish was plain to see, and Basil knew it was a bad one indeed. Tanner had broken his lower left leg which would almost end his season, a seven month absence specialists advised.

Basil then got annoyed which was a rarity in itself. Armstrong Oko-Flex, whom the Bromley gaffer had tried to sign on a free from Celtic in the summer, had left his new employers Motherwell for Arbroath on a half season loan. The Irish Under-21 internationalist would have been a possible first team candidate should he have swapped the Hoops for Hayes Lane but he had chosen The Steelmen because he said he was confident of breaking into the first team there. But now he was out on loan, and this irked Basil no end. Would Basil consider signing if he became available again? He wasn't sure, perhaps that ship had started to sail away.

The final friendly saw a much changed line up take on Dunstable FC at Creasey Park. Of the starting eleven, only Ryan Huddart, Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, Joey Jones and TQ Addy could consider themselves possible first teamers. The part timers took the lead in the 19th minute when midfielder Kelvin Nunn cracked home a superb half volley that Huddart had no chance whatsoever of saving. And the home side looked set for a surprise win until the introduction of Bromley skipper Billy Bingham with 14 minutes left. The arrival of Bingham in that short piece changed the impact of the game and as Dunstable visibly tired, Bromley hit them three times in as many minutes.

In the 85th minute, young winger Andrew Reay crossed from the right for Ben Allen to head in at the far post. Two minutes later, Bingham put Bromley with a low finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. Then as Dunstable pushed for an equaliser, Bromley hit them with a sucker punch third. Reay played the ball over the top and Vadaine Oliver took a couple of touches before blasting the ball into the net. The perfect way to finish the pre-season preparations off.

Any hope that Basil and Bromley would have a final week without any issues were dashed on the Monday after that Dunstable game. New signing and central defender Jones was the latest to enter the treatment room, with a twisted ankle. that would sideline him for a period of seven weeks. However that bad news was tempered with an ounce of good later in the week when Ruben Sammut returned to full training after his own injury absence. With Jones definitely out, the question Basil was asking himself was: is it worth risking Sammut in the league opener against Stevenage despite his lack of match fitness? With no other recognised defensive midfielder available, Basil's options were limited.

All Basil wanted was to make a good start to the season and build on the 16 game unbeaten run of last. No pressure then, right?