Though excited at the prospect of facing League One outfit Rochdale in the Emirates FA Cup 1st Round, Bromley manager Neil Smith is under no illusions at the task his side will face at the Crown Oil Arena.

“The boys have been training hard this week, it’s been high tempo. We know they’re going to be a tough team to face, with a good manager, but the pressure is very much on them. We’ve prepared well and we’re going to give it our best shot.”

Smith added, “We are fully aware of how difficult it’s going to be. They’re going to have a lot of possession, and we just have to make sure we’re disciplined and don’t go chasing it, but at the same time, we know that when we have a chance, we have to take it. Maybe there won’t be many, but when one does come along, we need to take advantage, whilst making sure we’re tight at the back”

Despite the disappointment of a home defeat to Maidenhead United last Tuesday, the Ravens responded with a respectable 2-2 draw away to Boreham Wood, and Smith maintains the squad morale is high.

“These boys are always confident. We’ve had a couple of setbacks recently but we’ve come back strong and are hopefully learning from our mistakes. We’re a young squad and still in the relatively early stages of the season, but the boys have really come together as a group from the word go, and they work hard for each other and I can’t really ask for any more than that.”

With respect to the fantastic response the club has had to the double decker supporters’ coach selling all its seats, as well as many fans making their way to Spotland through other means, Smith was keen to show his gratitude to the Bromley faithful.

“We respect you all for travelling such a long way. The support has been fantastic and we all want to make you proud. Whatever the result is, rest assured we’ve given it our all, and hopefully, we’ll be in the hat come Monday evening!”