Michael Cheek gets Bromley back to winning ways against Crewe

Andy Woodman’s side had to weather the storm for much of the game, but did so resiliently, before Cheek’s second-half strike swung the game in Bromley’s favour.

Bromley arrived at the Mornflake Stadium staring down the barrel of a potential third successive EFL away defeat, which would have been the first time in the Ravens’ history that they slumped to such a milestone.

So the objective was clear, and defeat was not an option as they looked to close the gap to the playoff places and avoid unwanted history.

A much-changed side from Tuesday’s EFL Trophy loss at Stevenage saw Woodman hand a 200th Bromley appearance to Jude Arthurs, while the suspended Byron Webster was replaced by Udris Odutayo on the left of a back three.

Despite looking comfortable in possession during the opening exchanges, the Ravens had their backs against the wall from the get-go.

A great move by the hosts down the right after five minutes culminated in an excellent looping cross being played behind the Bromley defence.

Conor Thomas flicked it goal-wards from within the six-yard box, but was unable to properly connect with the ball, offering a relatively simple save for Sam Long.

Bromley were again under pressure minutes later when Josh March wrongfooted Omar Sowunmi in the box to create space for a shot, but he skied his effort well over, a let-off for the Ravens.

The hosts’ biggest chance of the first half came in the 32nd minute when Tommi O'Reilly played a simple ball across the face of goal to Jack Lankester.

Lankester dispatched an effort with his first touch, but failed to convert from point-blank range in front of a virtually empty net, another reprieve as Bromley saw out a seismic wave of pressure from Crewe.

As the game settled with half-time approaching, the Ravens began to enjoy some chances of their own as both sides searched for a breakthrough.

In the 32nd minute, Ben Krauhaus attempted to weave his way through Crewe’s box, but the hosts worked quickly to contain the threat and, after a scramble in the box, eventually cleared the danger. 

Bromley entered the break knowing that they were fortunate to be level, and that a repeat of their first-half showing could well see them lose a third successive EFL game for the first time in the club’s history.

Respond, Bromley did. A bright start to the second half ended in euphoria when Michael Cheek gave the Ravens the lead in the 52nd minute.

Cheek was played through on goal and beat Booth, slotting a simple finish past the shot-stopper into the bottom corner to open the scoring.

Bromley’s leading goalscorer almost doubled his tally for the game immediately when the ball fell to him on the edge of the box just minutes later.

But, not expecting such a gift, his effort proved comfortable for Booth to palm away from goal, but Crewe were now very much on the back foot.

The Ravens’ dominant start to the half eventually relented, and a more open end to the contest ensued, as Crewe fought tirelessly for a leveller.

Mornflake Stadium erupted with anticipation when a cut-back fizzed past everyone in the Bromley box, no Crewe attacker able to meet the pass; another let-off for the Ravens.

But for all their efforts, Lee Bell’s side were unable to pin Bromley back as the Ravens saw out a 1-0 victory, their first win in six games in all competitions.

Victory saw Bromley climb to tenth in the League Two table, just two points shy of a play-off place, with the Ravens’ next test being a trip to face Cambridge United next Saturday.