Bromley keeper relishing National League play-off test – as 1-0 win over Notts County extends their season

Mark Cousins was delighted after Bromley defeated Notts County 1-0 to make the National League play-offs.

The former Barnet stopper was awarded man of the match after his clean sheet at Hayes Lane today.

The Ravens will face Hartlepool United on June 6 – the winner will face Stockport County in the semi-finals.

“What an afternoon and last three months of the season,” Cousins told the club’s website.

“It was a mixture of emotions at the end there, finding out there was still two minutes left in the Dagenham [and Redbridge] and it wasn’t quite done but to get over the line is very satisfying and now we’re in the play-offs.

“In the first half it was our aim to come in at 0-0. There was no need to win the game in the first half, Notts County are one of the best sides in the league so it’s never going to be an easy game against them. Going in at 0-0 gave us confidence to know that we have 45 minutes to get into the play-offs.

“The best form of defence is attack, especially with the players we have at our disposal. It would’ve been nice to get another goal.

“There was a couple [of important saves] but the defence soaked it up. They threw their bodies on the line and that’s what it takes to get into the play-offs.

“It was such a good atmosphere [today], we had nice weather for once and having the fans and having your family here was something special. We’ve got used to not having fans, now you appreciate them more and realise, that’s what football’s about. It’s nice to be able to share the celebrations with the fans today.

“We have to prepare right [for Hartlepool], we know they’re a good team but we beat them here and now we have to beat them away.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD