Tyler Cordner’s goal in stoppage time at the end of the first half ultimately proved to be enough for Aldershot Town to defeat Wanderers at the 5th Round stage of the Trophy a week ago, but manager Marc White was keen to reflect on the positives from the game in his post-match interview, praising his side for a more organised, higher quality display compared to recent weeks. On another afternoon it may have been a different story – Isaac Philpot and Josh Taylor both unfortunate hitting the woodwork late on in the contest.

Without a win in the last five league matches, Marc White will look for his side to build further on the improvements made in last Saturday’s performance and push on to get a first set of points on the board for 2023. At the end of a week where result’s elsewhere have now shifted Wanderers to just a point and a place above the relegation zone as the games have now collectively evened themselves out, a positive result on Saturday would be especially timely.

Team News

James McShane and Jason Prior will both be available for selection after missing out in the cup defeat last weekend due to suspension and being cup-tied respectively. Further to the announcement of his signing on Monday afternoon from Crawley Town, defender Tony Craig is available to go straight into the matchday squad.

In his weekly update broadcast on Thursday, Marc White acknowledged captain Barry Fuller and Joe Cook would be doubtful for Saturday’s trip to Kent after picking up knocks, and after missing out against Aldershot, both Niall McManus and Nicky Wheeler will also continue to be sidelined. Niall is expected to return in a couple of weeks after receiving an injection for a leg injury, and Nicky is in the final stages of recovery from a recent knee problem.

It was confirmed on Friday that two members of the Wanderers first team squad will head out on loan to National League South club’s for the next 4 weeks. Jordan Cheadle has joined Dulwich Hamlet and Adam Mekki has moved to Bath City, we wish both player’s all the best for their loan spells.

Opposition Focus: The Ravens

Bromley are currently sat just outside the play off places on goal difference after a good run of recent results. The Ravens are unbeaten in their last six games with only one league defeat suffered in all since early November, a 2-1 loss away to Wrexham in January. Four of the last six results had been draws prior to this past Tuesday evening, where goals midway through the first half from Byron Webster and Michael Cheek were enough to beat Altrincham 1-2 at the J Davidson Stadium and get Andy Woodman’s side back to winning ways. Cheek’s goal was his 9th for the campaign, making him the club’s top scorer this season so far ahead of fellow forward Adam Marriott, the summer signing from Barnet currently just behind on 8 goals.

In recent weeks the club have bolstered their squad with the addition of loan signings from the EFL. Attacking midfielder Charley Kendall, who Wanderers fans may remember from the thoroughly entertaining matches against Eastbourne Borough last season, has recently joined on loan from Lincoln City, as has goalkeeper Sam Long, also making the loan move from the League One side after Arsenal loanee Tom Smith, who impressed between the sticks in the reverse fixture at Meadowbank, returned to his to parent club.

Fresh off the presses, in the last couple of days The Ravens have announced the loan signing of Wales U21 international midfielder Ryan Stirk from Birmingham City, as well as full back Cameron Green, the former Wrexham and St. Albans player joining on a permanent deal after recently departing Hayes & Yeading. A player signed earlier in January worth keeping an eye out for is midfielder Mitchel Bergkamp, son of Arsenal legend Dennis, who joined Bromley after spending time at Watford U21s and Almere City.

Previous Meetings

In the reverse fixture at Meadowbank back in mid-November, the visitors came away with maximum points despite going down to ten men just before half-time, holding out to win 2-3.

It was an action packed end to the first half of the game as Michael Cheek gave The Ravens the lead ten minutes before the break, only for Harry Ottaway to equalise in stoppage time just after the dismissal of midfielder Corey Whitley for picking up a second yellow card. However, with virtually the last action of the half, Omar Sowunmi restored the one goal advantage for the away side. Despite Wanderers going on to dominate the second half, Harry Forster managed to make it 1-3 to Bromley just before the hour, Ryan Seager reducing the deficit with five minutes remaining to set up a grandstand finish, but Wanderers were unable to find an equaliser.

Key Matchday Info

KICK-OFF: 3pm
TICKETS: Adults £20 / Concessions £15 / Under 16 £7 / Under 11’s Free

To purchase in advance online, Wanderers supporters must first create an account with the website, and then the option to select ‘Away Tickets’ will be come available.

Website Link: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/bromleyfc/EDP/Event/Index/100?position=2

THE WANDERERS SUPPORTERS COACH DEPARTS FROM DORKING HIGH STREET AT 11AM!

Tickets Still Available Here, Price At Just £20! https://dwfc-online-shop.myshopify.com/collections/away-travel/products/bromley

How to Follow

Gary Pascoe & Tom Rogers will be providing live matchday commentry via Mixlr, head over to our Twitter page @DorkingWDRS to find out information of how to tune in.

Matchday updates will be running on our Twitter page throughout the afternoon (@DorkingWDRS)

Getting to Hayes Lane

https://www.bromleyfc.co.uk/the-club/how-to-get-here/

 Elsewhere Around The Club This Weekend

Following their narrow defeat to Fulham last weekend, the Wanderers Ladies are in quarter-final cup action again this Sunday, hitting the road to face Richmond & Kew in the Capital Cup. A 2pm kick off at Ham Playing Fields, the Ladies will be looking to reach the final four in the competition they won last season.

The B team will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run of form in 2023 at Meadowbank on Saturday afternoon, hosting Montpellier Villa in a 3pm kick off in the Southern Combination Division One.

Our DWFC Vets are also looking to maintain their unbeaten run, travelling to face Broadbridge Heath in a 2pm kick off on Sunday. It’s 2 wins from 2 so far for the Vets in the league after previously defeating Roffey FC and South Park.