Preview: Bromley vs Bristol Rovers
01.11.25, 12:50 Updated 01.11.25, 12:50
In 2019, when these sides locked horns in two pulsating first-round ties, it was seen as one of the FA Cup’s romantic David versus Goliath stories. But times have changed, and Bromley go into this tie with some no doubt considering them favourites. Is there a clearer sign of where Bromley are as a football club?
Bristol Rovers arrive at Hayes Lane having lost their last four league games. More critically, they have conceded four goals in each of their last three matches. That two of those teams were Tranmere Rovers and Crawley, sides in the bottom half of the table, speaks volumes. Rovers fans may argue that the more worrying stat is that they have only scored 14 league goals all season, sixth-lowest in the league.
Given Rovers are coming off the back of a relegation season under former manager Iñigo Calderón, you have to wonder how their fans would define success in 25/26. Their new manager, Darrell Clarke, will no doubt be disappointed with results so far.
Clarke was reappointed as Bristol Rovers manager in May 2025, and it was a decision met with great enthusiasm by Rovers natives. Clarke had a fantastic first spell as manager between March 2014 and December 2018, overseeing back-to-back promotions from the National League to League One before stabilising Rovers at League One level. He also has a League Two promotion under his belt from his time with Port Vale.
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