Key Points
- Bromley secured a 2-0 victory over Grimsby Town in a League Two match, marking their seventh win in the last eight league games and propelling them into the top three.
- Will Hondermarck scored a brace, with goals in each half, including a poke-in from a Deji Elerewe header in the 12th minute and a tap-in from Marcus Ifill’s cross 10 minutes into the second half.
- Bromley manager Andy Woodman expressed disappointment over a disallowed goal that could have made it 3-0, but praised the team’s second-half performance as “really good.”
- Woodman highlighted the squad’s hunger and competition for places as key to their current standing, while noting Hondermarck’s development.
- Grimsby had chances, including Kieran Green heading straight at goalkeeper Grant Smith and Jaze Kabia denied by Kyle Cameron’s last-ditch tackle, but failed to score.
- Grimsby manager David Artell admitted his team started well but conceded two “goals from nothing” due to failures in the penalty area, stressing the need to take chances and improve defending.
- A potential third Bromley goal by Mitchell Pinnock was ruled out after appearing to cross the line, but officials did not award it.
Hayes Lane, Bromley (South London News) January 26, 2026 – Bromley FC delivered a commanding 2-0 win against Grimsby Town, with manager Andy Woodman eyeing the League Two summit after his side’s seventh victory in eight league outings thrust them into the top three. Will Hondermarck’s brace sealed the points in a match defined by Bromley’s growing dominance.
What Happened in the Match?
Bromley took control early at Hayes Lane, striking first in the 12th minute. Deji Elerewe reacted quickest to head Mitchell Pinnock’s volleyed cross back across goal, allowing Hondermarck to poke home the opener. Grimsby’s Kieran Green squandered a gilt-edged chance moments later, heading straight at Grant Smith when it seemed easier to score.
As reported in the official match summary from Bromley FC’s coverage, an excellent last-ditch tackle by Kyle Cameron prevented Jaze Kabia from testing the target on the half-hour mark as Grimsby pressed for an equaliser. Just as in the first half, Bromley scored early after the restart, with Hondermarck tapping in Marcus Ifill’s cross 10 minutes into the second period to double the lead.
Bromley thought they had a third when Pinnock’s long-range shot appeared to be dragged over the line by Grimsby goalkeeper Jackson Smith amid wild celebrations, but officials waved play on, leaving the score at 2-0.
What Did Andy Woodman Say After the Victory?
Bromley manager Andy Woodman, speaking post-match as quoted in the club’s official report, said:
“I’m a bit disappointed as we had a blatant goal disallowed and 3-0 would have sent out an even bigger message to the rest of the league. That aside I thought we were really good today, particularly in the second half.”
He added:
“I thought we were lacklustre in the first half but we went in 1-0 up and second half we looked more like us. On the front foot, closing the opposition down, giving them no room to breathe and putting the balls in the right area.”
Woodman praised his goalscorer, stating: “Will Hondermarck scored two goals which is all part of his development to becoming the player I think he can become.” On the squad dynamic, he noted:
“We have a squad of players all hungry to get the shirt and keep others out. It is a healthy position to be in and that’s why we are where we are.”
Woodman’s comments underscore Bromley’s ambitions, with the win positioning them as serious promotion contenders in League Two.
How Did Grimsby Respond to the Defeat?
Grimsby Town manager David Artell gave his verdict, as reported across match coverage. He said:
“Goals change games. I thought we started well in the opening 15 minutes but we gave Bromley two goals from nothing, through failures to win first and second contacts in the penalty area when it mattered. The performance on the whole was OK, but ultimately goals change games.”
Artell elaborated:
“We have to start taking our chances more at one end and stop conceding at the other, that’s the bottom line. We knew what Bromley’s threat was from set pieces and second phases but we still gave goals away from the exact thing we worked on. We didn’t execute and that’s down to not heeding the basics of defending. Ultimately we needed to do better in both boxes on the day.”
His analysis points to defensive lapses in key areas, despite a promising start, as pivotal to Grimsby’s downfall.
Why Is This Win Significant for Bromley?
This result caps a remarkable run for Bromley, who have now won seven of their last eight league games. The victory over Grimsby catapults them into the League Two top three, with Woodman openly setting sights on the top spot. The disallowed goal, had it stood, might have amplified the statement to rivals, but the clean sheet and Hondermarck’s double still send a clear signal of intent.
Woodman’s emphasis on squad competition reflects a team firing on all cylinders. Players like Elerewe, Pinnock, Ifill, Cameron, and Smith were instrumental, contributing to a performance that blended resilience and attacking flair. For a club like Bromley, recently ascended to the Football League, such form positions them as genuine threats in the promotion race.
What Were the Key Moments That Defined the Game?
- 12th minute: Deji Elerewe heads Mitchell Pinnock’s volleyed cross back across goal; Will Hondermarck pokes in the opener.
- Shortly after: Kieran Green heads straight at Grant Smith from a prime position.
- 30th minute: Kyle Cameron’s last-ditch tackle denies Jaze Kabia.
- 55th minute: Hondermarck taps home Marcus Ifill’s cross for 2-0.
- Late second half: Mitchell Pinnock’s shot crosses the line but is disallowed by officials.
These moments highlight Bromley’s clinical edge and Grimsby’s missed opportunities.
How Does Bromley’s Form Compare in League Two?
Bromley’s streak of seven wins in eight games is the standout run in League Two. This latest triumph not only boosts their points tally but also their goal difference, with Hondermarck emerging as a key figure in their attack. Woodman’s side now sits in the top three, pressuring the leaders and underscoring their credentials.
The manager’s reference to sending a “message to the rest of the league” aligns with their trajectory. From a lacklustre first half to dominating the second, Bromley exemplified adaptability. Squad depth, as Woodman noted, ensures hunger across the roster, vital in a competitive division.
What Challenges Lie Ahead for Grimsby?
David Artell’s side sit mid-table after this setback, with their manager pinpointing failures in both boxes. Despite starting brightly, conceding from set pieces—despite preparation—exposed basics undone. Green’s miss and Kabia’s denial were symptomatic of chances spurned.
Artell’s call to “take our chances more at one end and stop conceding at the other” frames Grimsby’s priorities. In a tight League Two, such lapses could prove costly, especially against in-form teams like Bromley.
Who Stood Out for Bromley?
Will Hondermarck’s brace marks his growing influence, with Woodman hailing his development. Deji Elerewe’s headed assist and Kyle Cameron’s defensive heroics were crucial. Mitchell Pinnock’s creativity and near-miss third goal, alongside Marcus Ifill’s provider role, lit up the attack. Grant Smith’s save from Green preserved the clean sheet.
Woodman’s praise for the second-half press—”closing the opposition down, giving them no room to breathe”—credits collective effort.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Bromley’s top-three perch invites tougher tests, with Woodman’s ambitions clear. Grimsby must heed Artell’s words to arrest slide. This fixture encapsulates League Two’s intensity: fine margins decide promotion and relegation battles.
