Bromley FC Faces Third Match Disruption of the Season in League Two Clash Against Cambridge United
Bromley FC’s League Two match against Cambridge United took an unexpected turn when referee Declan Bourne suffered a knee injury during the Ravens’ 2-1 defeat on Saturday. The incident occurred while Cambridge was leading, prompting a nearly ten-minute medical stoppage as the referee clutched his knee on the ground. This unusual delay resulted in an additional fifteen minutes of stoppage time being added to the match.
This incident marks the third time this season that Bromley has faced disruptions due to referee injuries, following similar occurrences in their August matches—first against Shrewsbury Town and then at Hayes Lane against Barnet. In light of this, Bromley took to social media with a lighthearted appeal: “For the THIRD time this season, if there is a qualified official in the stadium, please make yourself known.”
In the meantime, one of the assistant referees stepped in to oversee the match while club officials searched among the crowd for a replacement fourth official. Medical personnel eventually carried Bourne off the field while play remained suspended, raising questions about whether this string of unfortunate events could set a Guinness World Record. Bromley’s social media team even reached out to Guinness to inquire about the possibility.
Despite the lengthy stoppage, Cambridge United maintained their 2-1 lead, which was built on early goals by Shayne Lavery and Kylian Kouassi. Lavery found the net just two minutes into the match, while Kouassi doubled their advantage just before halftime. The U’s victory marked their fourth consecutive win at home in the league.
Bromley responded with determination in the second half, as Michael Cheek—who was named League Two Player of the Year last season—scored to reduce the deficit. However, despite their efforts, Andy Woodman’s side could not find the equalizer against a resilient Cambridge team.
In the aftermath of the match, manager Andy Woodman expressed his frustration over the officiating disruptions. He acknowledged the referee’s welfare but noted how the stoppage affected his team’s momentum, especially after they had scored and were pushing for an equalizer. Woodman remarked, “When you’re chasing two goals, it’s tough. That lost a bit of momentum for us again.”
The unusual frequency of referee injuries this season has sparked discussions among fans and players alike at the south London club. As Bromley FC looks to bounce back, they will hope for a smoother experience in their upcoming fixtures.
Stay updated with the latest sports news and Bromley FC’s journey as they aim to overcome these challenges and enhance their performance on the pitch!
