Bromley manager Andy Woodman hailed his side’s “history” after they knocked out Championship side Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup.
The League Two outfit progressed to the second round with a 5–4 penalty shootout victory following a goalless 90 minutes at Hayes Lane.
The result extends Bromley’s unbeaten start to the season to three matches and adds another landmark moment to Woodman’s tenure, which has already seen him guide the club into the EFL for the first time and achieve a competitive top-half finish in their debut League Two campaign.
Making History
Reflecting on the win over Kieran McKenna’s side, Woodman urged his players and supporters not to underestimate the achievement.
“It’s an amazing result, we shouldn’t underestimate it. That’s an Ipswich side that played in the Premiership last year, with an abundance of quality throughout. I thought they put out a strong team as well. I thought we were unlucky not to get it in the 90 minutes, that said my goalkeeper made a couple of big saves as well.”
The visitors, recently relegated from the Premier League, sit four divisions above Bromley in the pyramid, yet the hosts matched them for long periods and held their nerve in the shootout.
Relentless Start
Bromley’s unbeaten opening has been built on intensity and hard work, qualities Woodman credits to his squad’s attitude.
“Just a group of players, they’re proper on it, they’re non-stop these boys, they’re relentless. I’ve got to give credit to them, they work their socks off every day and we’re fit. My staff are on it and it’s a credit to them – they’re professional footballers that are grafting and wanting to achieve something.”
The manager, who has developed a reputation for instilling resilience in his sides, described the result as another chapter in Bromley’s rapid rise.
“I’ve had a lot of special moments at this football club, every time there seems to be another bit of history written, we seem to re-write it and long may it continue. I’m proud as punch to be manager at this football club, and to be giving this town this journey we’re on.”
Woodman is already eyeing a glamour tie in the next round.
“Let’s get a big Prem one away, if there’s a big one in there. Of course we’d love to get a big draw away from home – that would be nice.”
Writer’s View
Cup upsets of this scale can define a season, but Bromley’s measured reaction underlines their ambition to be more than a one-night story. Woodman’s emphasis on work rate and togetherness has carried over from non-league to the EFL, and victories like this will only strengthen the belief that the club can compete with anyone on their day.
A favourable second-round draw could bring further headlines, but the real challenge will be maintaining momentum in the league.
