Bromley FC

A sunny Sunday afternoon saw a record crowd of 669 pack out Hayes Lane to see Bromley take on the Millwall Lionesses in the FA Cup Second Round Qualifiers.

After a bright start from Bromley and a couple of early attacking spells, the visitors slid into gear and scored the opener at the 18-minute mark. Millwall’s Otesha Charles darted through the middle before threading an inch perfect ball to Angel Reid. Reid was able to skip round onrushing goalkeeper Sophie Porou and, despite a valiant goal line block from defender Hannah Paige, send the ball over the line.

Millwall’s next goal came just four minutes later after two blocks, again by Porou and Paige respectively, was not enough to keep Reid out for the second time.

Things quickly unravelled for Bromley from this point and the Lionesses took full advantage of this netting another three goals in a five-minute period.

As was a common theme throughout the first half, the visitors sixth goal came from a through ball that split the centre-backs. This time it was clinched by Gemma Bryan, who after silkily decoying the keeper, calmly struck a perfectly weighted ball into the back of the net.

Just before the half time whistle blew, Millwall made it seven when Charles managed to poke another passed Porou after a scramble in the six-yard box.

Millwall were in the driving seat heading into the break after finding they were able to slip beyond the backline with off the shoulder runs far too easily and far too frequently. This was made simpler for the visitors by Bromley gifting the Lionesses easy routes to the finish line through 'off' decision making in and out of possession, rash ball placement and ‘clustering’ in the defensive third.

To the crowd’s delight the home side took charge of the reigns for the first part of the second half leading to a huge chance for Tanya Holley. After collecting the ball in a prime position, Holley beat out the defender in a 1v1 situation and managed to release a low and hard shot. Her effort flashed just wide and hit the side netting.

It was not long, however, before Millwall put their stamp on the scoresheet once again, this time through Reid who was able to snake the ball in from the left and strike it sublimely past the keeper.

The Ravens had themselves another big chance just before the 70-minute mark after Holley squared a clever pass to Jade Davenport who had made the run into the area. Davenport dribbled into space before goalkeeper Serena Hand came in with a strong challenge on the ball to direct the effort away.

Millwall’s ninth and final goal of the match was a headed effort by Charles from a corner at 75 minutes.

Despite the result, Bromley put on a much tidier display in the second half. They were able to pin back Millwall into negative spaces through more disciplined marking and restrict the time and space the Lionesses had front of goal. However, a lack of confidence in their own decision making when in possession meant Bromley were unable to claw one back.

Plenty of smiling faces, however, showed the Ravens crowd were in high spirits until the final whistle with players being swarmed by adoring fans after the match. Supporters were also treated to face painting, a half time penalty shootout and a meet and greet with players.

Line-ups

Bromley: Sophie Porou (GK), Hannah Paige (C), Mercedes Bromfield, Frankie Mardon (25’), Ellie Bovill, Kira Howard, Stacie Taylor, Jade Davenport, Olivia Woolacott, Tanya Holley, Kristodia Danso

Substitutes: Becky Bays-Pickett, Samantha Kilroy-Downs, Morgan Parnell, Abi Washington (25’), Katie Busher, Millie Main, Charlotte Bennett

Yellow Cards: Bromfield 73’

Millwall Lionesses: Serena Hand (GK), Millie Connell, Jasmine Auguste, Lauren Williams, Poppy Payne (C), Otesha Charles, Milly Penfold, Gemma Bryan (69’), Jade Keogh, Maisie Joyce, Angel Reid

Substitutes: Amy Lewington, Sharna Giordani, Lucy Jellett (69’), Mollie Hawkins, Sophie McCormick, Chanel Richards, Amy Nash

Goals: Angel Reid - 18’, 21’, 55’

Gemma Bryan – 23’, 35’

Milly Penfold – 25’

Otesha Charles – 27’, 44’, 75’

POTM: Tanya Holley

Attendance: 669