Bromley and Swindon Town are set to meet for the very first time when they take to the pitch at Hayes Lane on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts are relishing their debut season in League Two, riding the wave of an impressive 10-match unbeaten run in the league which has put them just four points adrift of the final playoff spot, keeping their dreams of a remarkable campaign alive.
Match preview
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Bromley achieved a historic milestone by earning promotion to the English Football League for the first time in their history, following a triumphant campaign in the 2023–24 National League playoffs, a success that came in their third attempt.
The Ravens have acquitted themselves admirably in their debut League Two season, currently occupying 12th place with 30 points from 21 matches, having won a third of their games.
Bromley's campaign has been defined by their remarkable resilience, as they remain unbeaten in their last 10 league matches and are riding an eight-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
In their latest league fixture, Andy Woodman's side embraced the festive mood with a scintillating 5-2 victory over Newport on Boxing Day, underlining their attacking capabilities.
The Ravens have also remained unbeaten in their last five home league matches, securing two wins in that period – however, their overall home form has room for improvement, as they have accumulated the third-lowest points tally as hosts in the division this season.
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Swindon Town, meanwhile, will look to build on recent positive results in their bid to climb the table - the Robins claimed a 3-1 home victory against Grimsby, followed by a battling 1-1 draw away to high-flying Wimbledon in their most recent league outing.
Currently, Swindon sit precariously just three points above the relegation zone, having earned 20 points from 22 matches, and with only four wins and 10 defeats, it has been a challenging season for the Robins.
Since Ian Holloway's appointment as manager in October, the Robins have managed just two wins in nine league matches, and although the they are showing signs of improvement with two victories in their last four games, facing an in-form Bromley side could be a tall order.
The Wiltshire-based side's struggles on the road have been notable, collecting just nine points from 12 away matches and registering a solitary win in those games, making it a big ask to overcome the momentum of their hosts at Hayes Lane.
Team News
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Omar Sowunmi and Michael Cheek found the back of the net for the second consecutive game, with the latter notching his 12th goal of the season, placing him level with Bradford's Andy Cook at the top of the league's scoring charts.
Cheek is expected to continue leading the line, while Sowunmi remains a key figure in defence, partnering Callum Reynolds at the heart of the backline.
George Cox was forced off with an injury in the 66th minute against Wimbledon and is likely to be Swindon's only absentee for Sunday's clash.
Swindon's leading scorer, Harry Smith, who netted his ninth league goal in the ninth minute against Wimbledon, is expected to retain his place in a front two alongside Kabongo Tshimanga.
Bromley possible starting lineup:
Smith; Grant, Sowunmi, Reynolds, Odutayo; Arthurs, Thompson; Imray, Whitely, Congreve; Cheek
Swindon Town possible starting lineup:
Barden; Sobowale, Wright, Delaney, Hall, Kirkman; Cotterill, Kilkenny, Clarke; Smith, Tshimanga
We say: Bromley 2-1 Swindon Town
Swindon have demonstrated resilience in recent weeks, but given Bromley's impressive form, the task may prove too daunting for the visitors, particularly considering their poor away record, and for this reason, we are predicting that the hosts will edge this encounter.
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