Yeovil Town’s Emirates FA Cup adventure continues with a trip to Hayes Lane on Saturday afternoon (3pm) to face Bromley F.C.
Last time out in the cup, the Glovers were involved in a thrilling affair, drawing 3-3 in normal time with Dover, toppling the Whites 7-6 on penalties.
Darren Sarll will be hoping for a less stressful afternoon as he plots the Glovers route to the second round.
Team News
The injury picture remains the same for the Glovers, with key figures such as Josh Staunton, Lee Collins and Courtney Duffus still out of the side.
Sarll did however confirm Duffus’ road to recovery is going well, but Saturday’s FA Cup clash is just too soon for the number 14.
A foot in the opposition camp
What’s their story?
Bromley were established in 1892, initially playing in the South London League, before becoming founder members of the Southern Football League in 1894.
Currently this campaign is the Ravens sixth season within the fifth tier of English football after achieving promotion from the Conference South in 2015.
They finished in the 13th place last season with 52 points, eight points below the play-off places. However, this term they will be looking to go one further by cementing a play-off spot for the first in the club’s history.
How’s their form?
The Ravens come into the game after suffering a 2-1 home defeat to inform Eastleigh after a brace from Ben House sealed an important victory for the Spitfires in their push for promotion.
Their last five games however have resulted in two wins against Dover Athletic and Weymouth and a draw against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.
Bromley saw off fellow National league side Sutton United in the previous round of the Emirates FA Cup after a 1-0 away victory despite being reduced to ten men towards the latter stages of the game after Byron Webster was shown a red card by the referee.
Who’s the manager?
Neil Smith began his managerial career with Woking back in March 2007 taking the role of joint caretaker manager alongside Graham Baker, following the departure of Glenn Cockerill, helping the club to stay in the Conference National.
He joined Bromley in February 2016, where Smith originally took over the role on an interim basis. On 4th April, after a successful run of games, Smith signed a two-year contract to become the club’s new first-team manager.
Who’s the captain?
Fan favourite Jack Holland started his footballing career with Bromley Youth Section before being scouted by Crystal Palace, where he went on to spend four years with the Eagles.
Holland returned to Bromley permanently in 2013 and since then has gone on to make over 200 appearances for the club.
The defender is also an England C International after representing his country in a 4-3 defeat against Slovakia U21’s back in June 2016 at the Sutton United’s Gander Green Lane.
Who are the key men?
Michael Cheek – The 27-year-old striker is a seasoned performer at National League level, having made his name at Heybridge Swifts, before moving on to Chelmsford City. After a successful one and a half season spell with the Clarets, which saw him score 35 goals in 66 appearances, he made the move to Braintree Town. Cheek remained with the Iron for two seasons, scoring 42 goals in 98 games. He has currently scored four goals within the first six games in search of producing another landmark this campaign for Bromley.
James Alabi – The former Leyton Orient man has plenty of National League experience with the Os, as well as Forest Green Rovers, Grimsby Town, Tranmere Rovers, Chester, Eastleigh and Dover Athletic. The 25-year-old powerhouse striker started his career in the youth ranks of Stoke City, before joining Celtic’s academy. Following a season in Scotland, he returned to Stoke and signed his first professional contract with the Potters in 2013.
Bryon Webster – A face recognisable to many a Yeovil supporter, Webster was a key member of the Glovers promotion campaign to the Championship in 2013. Now plying his trade in the National League, Webster is a start centre back for Neil Smith’s side.
Previous encounters
Last season saw two thrilling encounters with Neil Smith’s side. The first at Huish Park was Scott Priestnall’s first home game as Chairman of the club, and it was a thriller. After a twenty-minute injury delay which forced Bromley defender Chris Bush in goal, the visitors took the lead through the talismanic Cheek. Ultimately, the Glovers would fight back with Jimmy Smith and Charlie Lee heading home and an own goal securing a 3-1 victory against the then unbeaten Ravens.
Our last trip to Hayes Lane was also action packed, two first half red cards saw the game played on a knife edge but after Albi Skendi gave away a second half penalty, the Ravens thought they had done enough to secure three points. However, Rhys Murphy stepped up when he was needed most, poking up a dramatic equaliser with the last kick of the game.
Coverage
Bromley FC will be streaming the fixture live on their website, to purchase a streaming pass, click HERE.
BBC Somerset will also be providing audio commentary with text updates on the #YTFC channels.
