Bromley progess to the FA Youth Cup Third Qualifying Round after a 3-2 win against Tooting & Mitcham United at Hayes Lane.

Bromley produced a fantastic squad effort in a thrilling FA Youth Cup tie at Hayes Lane on Monday night.

Having been beaten in a pre-season game by Tooting we were more than aware of the good quality they possessed and the first 20 minutes of this game saw Tooting come flying out the blocks as Bromley struggled to keep them at bay with some nerves probably playing their part too. Bromley had 1st year scholar and goalkeeper Roland Higyed to thank as a string of great saves kept Tooting at bay and Bromley in the tie.

Against the run of play Bromley went in front though when captain Louie Fox played a neat diagonal ball through to winger Joel Vian who’s first touch took him inside the full back before driving into the box and firing into the far corner, 1-0 to Bromley on 24 minutes. The goal gave Bromley belief and a dose of confidence as they began to grow into the game. However the lead lasted just 12 minutes as on 36 minutes full back Sam Nicholson-Scott’s under hit back pass was latched onto by the Tooting number 9, who had a great game, and he finished to put Tooting level.

The second half saw Bromley really lift their performance but with Tooting still posing a threat as the two sides battled away. On 53 minutes it was Tooting’s turn to go in front when their ‘9’ produced a fierce strike from 25 yards, one where Bromley should have had more pressure on the ball. Bromley’s response was superb though as 2 minutes later forward Daniel Ajakayie who led the line well on night lifted the whole place when he picked up the ball on the right inside the Tooting half and showed great desire to beat a couple of players before cutting inside and finishing well under pressure from both a challenge on the onrushing keeper.

Next Tooting hit the bar at one end only for Bromley to go straight down the other end and hit the post through Louie Fox’s strike.

Bromley left back Yaqin Mohammed was having a great battle with the Tooting winger who was both extremely quick and a handful, Mohammed doing well on a number of occasions to limit his end product.

Bromley took the lead with what proved to be the winner on 71 minutes when Nicholson-Scott’s run down the right fed Ajakayie, Nicholson-Scott continued his run inside as he met Ajakayie’s cross to head against the bar, Louie Fox though was first to the rebound as he hooked home his volley to put Bromley 3-2 up and deservedly getting himself on the scoresheet after a real captains performance.

Joel Vian then went close twice for Bromley as they looked to put the game out of sight and at the other end centre half pairing Michak Stanic-Stewart and Harry Needham were competitive and worked hard to contain any Tooting attacks.

It was a gripping night at Hayes Lane and this hard earned victory wins Bromley a final qualifying tie away and a tough one away at Dulwich Hamlet.

Man of the Match: Louie Fox & Roland Higyed

Bromley Goals: Joel Vian, Daniel Ajakayie, Louie Fox

Bromley: R.Higyed, S.Nicholson-Scott, Y.Mohammed, E.Frederick (V.Naranjo), M.Stanic-Stewart, H.Needham, J.Vian, S.Asante (F.Fezji), D.Ajakayie, L.Fox, K.Ogboe (N.Williams)

Subs not used: T.Scanlon, S.Edwards