COME IN AND RAVEN IT UP!

Bromley hold their own Non-League Day

By Matt Badcock

WARM WELCOME: Bromley are inviting fans of Premier League and EFL clubs to their game against Oldham on Saturday. Inset: Winning the FA Trophy

PICTURE: Edmund Boyden

NATIONAL LEAGUE promotion chasers Bromley want to show what all the Non-League fuss is about by encouraging Premier League and EFL fans without a game on Saturday to get down to their Hayes Lane home.

The Ravens – current holders of the prestigious FA Trophy and eyeing at least a play-off spot this season – are hosting their own Non-League celebration this coming international weekend.

With relegated EFL side Oldham Athletic in town, they are hoping for a bumper crowd.

Ticket prices have been slashed to £15 foradults,£10 for cessions and £5 for U16s while U11s1s are free.

Manager Andy Woodman, promoted from the old Third Division with Northampton Town and Brentford, says his team will aim to put on a show.

Woodman said: “I think it is fantastic that the club is using such a big game as Oldham as an opportunity to showcase what we are all about.

“We have a style of football, a DNA to everything we do, and the boys will be fully prepared to put on a good display.

“We know when our place is packed, the atmosphere is electric and if we can use the occasion to welcome some new faces and a bumper crowd, that is brilliant.”

The club have invested heavily in their facilities in recent years and now boast a purpose built bar and kitchen to host their ever growing fanbase before and after games.

Owner and chairman Robin Stanton-Gleaves said: “By hosting our own Non-League Day at Hayes Lane, we hope to provide a fantastic advert for the National League.

“There are some inaccurate stereotypes around Non-League football and we want to use this game to showcase the match experience we offer. From the moment you enter our stadium to the first and full-time whistle and postmatch too.

Vision

“We have made the match as affordable as possible and look forward to welcoming lots of football fans to our home.”

Former Millwall defender Byron Webster is now Bromley captain and loving every minute of his Non-League experience.

Webster added: “I think myself lucky to have enjoyed a long and successful career in the EFL. Making that move to the National League to join Bromley has been brilliant. I’m proud to captain the club as we push for promotion but also with everything going off the pitch, it’s a buzz for us to see the vision come to life.

“Playing Oldham here for the first time writes the team talk itself but we will approach the game like we do every time.

“We’ll go all out for the three points and look to entertain the home crowd along the way. I hope this initiative encourages a few supporters from my old clubs to come along.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.eticketing.co.uk/bromleyfc