Andy Woodman believes his squad can give a good account of themselves as he prepares his Bromley side for their home game against Notts County.
The Ravens have fared well in their debut season in the EFL so far, winning their opening two games against Harrogate Town and AFC Wimbledon. Whilst their last three games have only seen them pick up one point, they are still in the top half of the table after five matches played.
They drew last time out away to Colchester United, Michael Cheek having his penalty cancelled out by an Owura Edwards goal in the second half. Wing-back Besart Topalloj was dismissed for a second yellow card just seconds before the full-time whistle.
Bromley welcome Notts County to Hayes Lane, with the visitors having the chance to reach the top of League Two following Doncaster Rovers‘ loss to Harrogate last night. If results go their way, The Magpies will go two points clear by the end of play tomorrow.
Speaking to club media ahead of the match, Andy Woodman discussed the preparation going into this game, saying: “We’ve had a good week, we’ve had the two boys away on international duty with Wales (Josh Thomas and Cameron Congreave). They’ve come back, they’re all fit and well.
“We’ve managed to get some good work into the guys. We’re looking forward to welcoming Notts County back to Hayes Lane after a season away from them.”
Stuart Maynard’s side come into the game as only one of two League Two clubs that are unbeaten so far, alongside Tranmere Rovers. Bromley have been a banana skin for County in recent years, having lost three times and drawn four in their seven encounters since 2019.
The Magpies have won their last three games on the bounce, beating Accrington Stanley, Swindon Town and Grimsby Town. Their last defeat came on the final day of last season, losing 1-0 away to the relegated Forest Green Rovers.
Assessing what he expects from the game this weekend, the former Northampton Town goalkeeper added: “They’re a good team, no doubt about that. Stuart’s got them playing his style of football. He’s got some good players, I think they made 13 signings in the summer.
“They’re a good outfit and would be one of the favourites to go up this year, that’s for sure. But look, he’ll know we’ll always give a good account of ourselves. We’ve had some good battles between ourselves and yeah, I’m looking forward to pitting ourselves against Notts County on Saturday.”
Writer’s View
Bromley have given a good account of themselves since arriving in League Two. Whilst they may have faltered in recent weeks with losses against Bradford City and Crewe Alexandra, they have shown they are not a walkover with a win over local rivals AFC Wimbledon. Picking up consistent points throughout the season will be their aim and will be targeting to get above the 42-point barrier that saw Sutton United and Forest Green go down last year.
Notts County are the in-form side in the division though. They have looked clinical and ruthless when going forward and are the joint-top scorers in League Two. Whilst they haven’t played opposition expected to challenge for the title this season, beating these sides can make or break a team’s promotion chances going down the line. Stuart Maynard will be hoping that a fixture that his club have found difficult in the past won’t be one of those slip-ups.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
