Player-coach Alan Dunne hails Bromley’s battling win over table-toppers Leyton Orient

Bromley player-coach Alan Dunne hailed the Raven’s impressive win over National League leaders Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.

Second-half goals from Frankie Sutherland and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild were enough to see off the ten-man Os, who suffered a dent to their title hopes as they fell to a first loss in seven league games.

“Brilliant, what a result,” said the former Millwall stalwart, who also spent two seasons at Brisbane Road.

“Last time we played them there was a bit of friction there, but to have a full house and play the team at the top of the league, show we’re competing. What a night. What an atmosphere. The place was rocking and we’re really pleased with the result.

“We’re competing with clubs who have got a lot more than us in terms of revenue and money coming in. Again, tonight we competed and it shows, with a full house, how powerful this place can be.

“When you’re playing the top of the league side in front of a full house, at times there can be a little bit of nerves. They got the goal and at half-time we had to change things a little bit. They came out and showed great character second-half, and a fantastic goal to win it from Reeco. For someone of such a young age he showed a lot of maturity. He showed his quality and a goal like that topped off a fantastic night.

“I’ve watched him a while. He offers something different with that left-foot coming inside and able to get shots away. He’s got a bit of height presence and he’s physically good. And he’s there at the back post attacking headers. We haven’t seen them a lot this year so to offer that tonight and steal it, I’m really pleased for him and proud of him.”

Dunne, 36, has made just four appearances for the Ravens this campaign as he continues to assist manager Neil Smith in the dugout – although admitted he would have relished playing in a fiery atmosphere that saw plenty of robust challenges on the field and had the visiting supporters directly behind the Bromley bench engaging in shouting matches with the home team staff.

“I wish I was playing tonight,” he said.

“Nothing would have been better than to be playing tonight. My time is near the end. For me now it’s to develop and help players and the manager. I do enjoy the coaching but nothing beats playing in games like that tonight.

“There was a little bit of banging [on the dugout] and a little bit of friction, but I was at Millwall for twenty years – that was soft to me.”