Bromley were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Crawley Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night. The heavy defeat, which featured two own goals, extends a difficult run for Andy Woodman's side.
Defensive errors proved costly at the Broadfield Stadium. Crawley's opening goal arrived after 35 minutes when Nathan Robert Patten turned the ball into his own net. Bromley conceded again shortly after half-time, with Stephen Duke-Mckenna scoring from a Louie Watson assist three minutes after the restart. The visitors' misery was compounded just six minutes later when Rex Porter also scored an own goal, and Duke-Mckenna added a fourth in stoppage time, assisted by Osman Kamara.
The statistics reflected a one-sided contest, with Crawley enjoying 66% possession and registering 22 shots to Bromley's seven. Bromley's discipline also wavered, collecting three yellow cards in a frantic second-half period. This performance will be a concern as the team looks ahead to its next fixtures, starting with a key league game this weekend.
Crawley boss Colin Kazim-Richards highlighted his team's spirit above the scoreline. "For me, away from the four goals and the win, I'll be honest with you, the best part of the game for me was seeing our boys run over and help our keeper when he got hit in the head. That's what I've been asking for from day one."
The result is another setback for a team sitting 19th in the standings with eight points from seven games. Their recent form shows just one win in the last five matches across all competitions. They must now regroup quickly for a key league fixture away at Mansfield Town this Saturday. Mansfield currently sit 17th, making it a vital match for both clubs near the bottom of the table. Bromley's squad depth and defensive resilience will be tested, with the team having conceded 18 goals in the league already this season.
Crawley Town midfielder Stephen Duke-McKenna said the 4-0 win over Bromley should give his team confidence to improve their league form. He stated, "I have no doubt we can fly up the table." Crawley's league form shows one win in seven games. Bromley, 19th in League One with eight points, next face Mansfield Town away.
Crawley Town boss Colin Kazim-Richards has praised the return of Stephen Duke-McKenna from injury. The manager told reporters the midfielder's set pieces are "frightening" and "on the money". Duke-McKenna, who scored twice in the 4-0 win over Bromley, had been unavailable since August 15. Kazim-Richards said the performance of his returning players may force changes for his side's next league game. Bromley, 19th in League One with eight points, conceded twice to Duke-McKenna in their last match.
