Hawkinge Town Reserves travelled to Bromley Green Sports Club #1 on 13 September 2025 for a fiercely contested league away match, kicking off at 2:00pm. The encounter ended in a dramatic 5-4 defeat for Hawkinge after a pulsating 90 minutes plus added time. Both sides produced an entertaining display, with goals flying in from all angles in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Hawkinge Town Reserves lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, deploying a solid defensive base with four defenders and a holding midfielder shielding the backline. Jack Smith took his place in goal, tasked with organising the defence and keeping Bromley Green’s attackers at bay. The defensive quartet featured Kyle Norvall at right back, Jack Laws and Liam Pile as the central defensive pairing, and Lewis Baker on the left flank. Bailee Slater operated as the lone central midfielder in front of the defence, expected to break up play and distribute efficiently.
Ahead of Slater, the midfield trio consisted of Charlie Malloy on the right wing, Louis Milberry-Smith centrally in an attacking midfield role, and Harry Pile on the left wing, all charged with creating chances and linking play between midfield and attack. Up front, Hawkinge deployed two forwards: Fraser Otto on the right and Freddie Laws on the left, both looking to exploit spaces behind the Bromley Green defence and provide the cutting edge in front of goal. Rafe McGirr was named among the substitutes.
The match began with Bromley Green asserting early dominance, striking twice inside the opening 20 minutes to take a commanding lead. Their first goal arrived in the 12th minute, setting the tone for a high-scoring affair. A further strike in the 20th minute doubled their advantage and put Hawkinge on the back foot.
Hawkinge responded with determination, and their efforts bore fruit in the 35th minute when Freddie Laws unleashed a stunning effort from outside the area, pulling a goal back and reigniting their hopes. Just five minutes later, Hawkinge were awarded a penalty, which Fraser Otto confidently dispatched to level the scores at 2-2 heading into the break.
The second half saw Hawkinge continue their momentum as Fraser Otto converted a second penalty in the 50th minute, putting the visitors ahead for the first time in the match. However, Bromley Green were quick to respond, equalising in the 55th minute to restore parity.
Bailee Slater then stepped up to give Hawkinge the lead once more with a well-taken goal in the 59th minute, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively from midfield. The contest remained frantic as Bromley Green struck again in the 65th minute, followed by another goal five minutes later, swinging the advantage back in their favour at 5-4.
In the 75th minute, Hawkinge made their only substitution of the match, with Rafe McGirr replacing right back Kyle Norvall in an attempt to shore up the defence and chase an equaliser. Despite their efforts in the closing stages, Hawkinge were unable to find another goal, and Bromley Green held on for a narrow victory.
The match was a thrilling encounter that highlighted the attacking prowess of both sides, with Hawkinge Town Reserves showing resilience and fight despite conceding early. The 4-1-3-2 formation allowed for fluid attacking interplay and midfield creativity, but defensive lapses proved costly against a clinical Bromley Green side. The substitutes’ introduction came late and was insufficient to alter the outcome, leaving Hawkinge to rue missed opportunities in a high-scoring contest.
