Bromley’s National League campaign kicked off with a harsh lesson from a well drilled Tranmere team who took their chances, won the midfield battle and were too rugged to break down at the back.

After a cagey opening Rovers took the lead on 9 minutes with their first attack, the Bromley defence were opened up by some quick passing and James Norwood powered home the opener from ten yards out.

With Neil Smith’s side lining up 4-3-3 The Ravens midfield was too often over run when trying to defend. Andy Cook nearly made it two soon after, but his header was brilliantly saved by Alan Julian at full stretch.

It took twenty minutes for Bromley to show any signs of cohesion going forward with Max Porter heading wide from a Dave Martin and Blair Turgott short corner move. Turgott put a good chance wide later on after good work by Tobi Sho-Silva, but Tranmere’s defence were well marshalled by Steve McNulty who put in a superb performance in the centre.

Then with three minutes to go in the half The Ravens momentum was halted by a quick break out of defence by the visitors which ended with Norwood again finding space in the area to convert a low cross for 2-0 after a slick passing move had exposed the frailties in the home defence.

Half Time 0-2

The second half saw a much better showing from Bromley, early on Martin had a cross tipped over by Scott Davies, Turgott hit a free kick over the bar and Martin hit a drive which was well saved. Connor Jennings nearly made it three for the visitors with a powerfully struck shot from distance, but Julian made another great mid air save.

The Ravens continued to do most of the pressing though, Martin was brought down for a free kick which saw Adam Cunnington’s shot deflected wide and the resulting corner was eventually scrambled away by Tranmere.

Sho-Silva shot wide soon after, but then the impetus slowed and hope of a comeback faded in the heat. Late in the game Rovers had chances to extend their lead, but Jay Harris was denied by Julian, Michael Ihiekwe shot wide when well placed and Norwood blazed over when looking to complete his hatrick.

In the end it was a comfortable win for Gary Brabin’s team and a game that will have given Neil Smith plenty to ponder ahead of the midweek trip to Torquay United.

Full Time 0-2

 

Bromley: Julian, Howe (Swaine 85), Anderson, Chorley, Holland, Martin, Prestedge (G Porter 72), M Porter (Dymond 56), Turgott, Cunnington, Sho-Silva.

Subs Not Used: Johnson, Goldberg.

Tranmere: Davies, Ridehalgh, S Jennings, McNulty, Ihiekwe, Harris, Cook (Mekki 68), Norwood (Kirby 89), C Jennings, Maynard, Hughes.

Subs Not Used: Vaughan, Turner, Stephenson.

Goals: Tranmere – Norwood 9 & 42mins.

Ref: Mr R Whitton

Att: 1,539