Bromley 2-2 Walsall: Jamille Matt finish earns a point as Mat Sadler praises team’s ‘heart’

By Machel Hewitt

BROMLEY 2

Thompson 7, McKirdy 55

WALSALL 2

Amantchi 45, Matt 70

Mat Sadler hailed the character of his Walsall charges as they twice came from behind to grab a share of the spoils at Bromley on Thursday.

A Ben Thompson strike had given Bromley an early lead, but Levi Amantchi’s goal on the stroke of half-time ensured the teams went in level at the break.

It was a similar story in the second 45 as Harry McKirdy restored Bromley’s lead, before Jamille Matt rescued a point 20 minutes from time.

Sadler offered his thoughts on the entertaining draw after the match.

Heart

He said: “That was the resilience and heart that I wanted to see.

“I had to freshen things up today as the games are coming thick and fast in the home stretch and I think everyone acquitted themselves well.

“We have some unbelievable options and we’ll need everyone to get us over the line.”

He added: “Without trying to single anyone out, I thought Oisin McEntee was immense.

“He adds a real attacking option for us on the right side of the defence.

“The only downside was the second goal, but overall I’m pleased.”

Match action

The game got off to a quick start with a goal in the opening ten minutes.

Good work from Cameron Congreve saw him feed Thompson and the midfielder fired home from 20 yards.

Amantchi went close to equalising against his former club, but he skied his effort after good work from Connor Barrett.

The striker did not miss on the stroke of half-time.

A hooked ball fell to him in the box and he did well to turn and smash home amid a crowd of bodies.

Second half

The second 45 saw Bromley again take an early lead, second-half sub McKirdy latching on to Michael Cheek’s through ball before brilliantly lobbing Sam Hornby.

Walsall came roaring back, equalising when Matt got on the end of a fantastic Barrett cross to flick beyond Grant Smith.

Although both sides pressed at the end for a late winner neither could find it as they had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Ravens manager Andy Woodman was equally pleased with the quality of his side’s display, saying: “We played some excellent football and gave everyone a reminder that we can play some really good stuff.

“We were disappointed with the goals we conceded, but I also thought we were good for the win.

“The reality is that Walsall are top of the table for a reason and I think they showed that in some key moments and why we’ve only come away with a draw.”

Star Man – Byron Webster (Bromley)

Teams, ratings, attendance and more

Bromley: Smith 6, Grant 6 (McKirdy 46, 7), Elerewe 6, Webster 8, Mayor 7, Arthurs 7, Charles 6 (Dennis 88), Whitely 7, Thompson 8, Congreve 7 (Ilunga 74, 6), Cheek 7 (Kabamba 87). Subs not used: Long, Sowunmi, Odutay.

Walsall: Hornby 6, McEntee 8, Okagbue 7, Weir 6, Barrett 7, Jellis 7, Allen 7, Comley 6, Gordon 6, Matt 7, Harrison 6 (Amantchi 19, 7). Subs not used: Simkin, Williams, Adomah, Lakin, Stirk, Wheatley.

Attendance: 2,512

Rating: ★★★★ Referee: Ruebyn Ricardo 8/10