Leaders Bromley suffered a shock defeat to the league’s bottom side Staines, who battled and fought their way to a deserved win which staved of relegation for at least another week and opened up the title race.

The game got off to an even start in blustery conditions before Bromley, missing Jack Holland and Joe Anderson from the regular back four, still dominated possession, but failed to make it count resorting to aimless long balls in frustration.

The Swans defence expertly marshalled by Darren Purse held up to anything The Ravens threw at them and late in the half Staines had a good spell with Jamal Fenelon going close on twice.

The second half started with Josh Cooke missing a good chance for the visitors before Bromley again pressed, Moses Ademola headed over after good work by Paul Rodgers and Bradley Goldberg had an effort from point blank range blocked by Jack Turner after good work by Jamie Slabber.

Purse went close for The Swans and Fenelon was denied by a superb Alan Julian save before Ademola forced another save from Turner at the other end.

Goldberg hit the post with a header and Danny Waldren went close for Bromley, but the decisive goal came on 77 minutes when Michael Freiter was given time and space to curl in a sweet effort over Julian from the edge of the box.

Slabber had a header go wide from a Mitchell Pinnock cross and a shot cleared off the line by Purse, the striker and away keeper both injured in the ensuing stromash.

In injury time The Ravens were given a massvive chance in the shape of a penalty when Adam Birchall broke into the box and was floored by Joe Aribo.

Louis Dennis wasted the lifeline though by sending the ball high over the bar, leaving the clearly injured Turner untroubled and the game was up for Mark Goldberg’s side.

Bromley now travel to Bath City next Saturday hoping this proves to be a blip rather than the start of a collapse similar to last season.

Bromley: Julian, Udoji (Pinnock 76)), Rodgers, Swaine, McNaughton, Ademola (Dubois 72), Waldren, Prestedge (Birchall 70), Dennis, Slabber, Goldberg.

Subs Not Used: Carter, Fuseini.

Staines: Turner, Felix, Brewer, O’Neil, Purse, M’Boungou, Lodge, Freiter, Fenelon (Buchanan 72), Cooke (Aribo 60), Worsfold (Boakye 90).

Subs Not Used: Roberts, Churchill.

Referee: Mr C Pollard

Star Man: Darren Purse (Staines)

Match Rating 3/5

Goals: Freiter 77mins (Staines).

Att: 833

HT 0-0 FT 0-1