Bromley 1-1 Cambridge United 
by Joseph Musa 
at Hayes Lane

BROMLEY boss Andy Woodman believes Saturday’s fixture “was a game of two halves” and admitted he’s happy with the quality in the squad given the impact of the substitutions. 

The home team equalised late to draw 1-1 to visitors Cambridge United, as the promoted sides began the season with four points from their opening two games. 

Just as in April, when both sides were on the brink of promotion, Cambridge’s free-flowing football had the Bromley backline on their toes early on. 

Ben Knight tested Shamal George in the third minute with a powerful shot at the edge of the area, which the Bromley shot-stopper saved with confidence.

Within the next five minutes, Cambridge had two penalty appeals turned down, the second of which was more contentious, as Isaac Heath showed how much of a threat he is with his direct play. Knight and Heath linked up well and continued to test the Bromley defence with their movement. 

Bromley’s first effort on target came in the 15th minute, when Corey Whitely shot straight into Cambridge keeper Jake Eastwood’s hands, finally pushing the home team further up the pitch.

The best chance of the first half came from Eastwood’s free kick from his own box, which fell into Heath’s path. He controlled the ball well first time before shooting, but George made another good save, this time to his right.

Woodman’s half-time substitutions and change of formation helped as Bromley started to get on the front foot, with last season’s top scorer Michael Cheek tested by Eastwood in the 55th minute, but the keeper held on as the game became more balanced. 

Sierra Leone international Sullay Kaikai played a lovely, lofted pass to Knight, who took it in his stride, beating his defender with a few more touches before slotting through the legs of George to put the away side 1-0 up in the 67th minute. 

With nine minutes left to play in normal time, Cambridge didn’t clear their lines as the ball fell to substitute Victor Adeboyejo in the box, who, on the half-swivel, hit a great strike into the top corner, much to the delight of the home fans. 

Cambridge manager Neil Harris remained upbeat despite expressing his disappointment in the manner of the goal conceded, but emphasised his respect for the opposing team.