Bromley were taught a lesson about life in the EFL as they conceded two late goals to lose their second consecutive League Two game, in turn giving Crewe Alexandra their first league win of the season.
Andy Woodman made just the one change from last week’s loss at Bradford City, with Lewis Leigh coming in for the suspended Ashley Charles, keeping the 5-4-1 formation and The Ravens got off to the perfect start when Leigh scored inside the first minute.
Idris Odutayo and Michael Cheek combining down the left to set up Leigh who scored against his old side with a superb finish high into the net from just inside the box.
Things settled from there with Bromley looking to hold on to their lead and soak up pressure, while looking to pounce on the counter attack. After a series of corners for the home side, Crewe went close when a Max Sanders free kick was blocked by Callum Reynolds at the near post.
The Railwaymen then had a great opportunity to level up midway through the half when Shilow Tracey broke clear, but just as he took an extra touch on the edge of the area, Kamarl Grant got back to make a vital touch and knock his effort wide.
With the game opening up, Danny Imray sent in a dangerous cross that Grant just missed, while at the other end Smith made a great one handed save to deny Jamie Knight-Lebel from range.
Zak Williams was also denied by Smith late in the half, but Bromley went into the break still in front.
The second half started with Leigh going close and he then set up Corey Whitely who was also just off target with his shot. Jude Arthurs blazed over from 20 yards, before Crewe came back into things. Kane Hemmings shot over after a strong run, while Bromley went close went Grant’s powerful run ended with a 30 yard drive that Filip Marschall did well to save.
With the game going from end to end, Woodman brought on an extra centre back, but Crewe levelled the score on 83 minutes when a free kick out wide from Joel Tabiner was touched home by Demetriou from close range to make it 1-1.
Jack Lankester then headed over a good chance to put the visitors in front and Smith made brave save at the feet of Hemmings before their pressure paid off in injury time when a cross from the right found Chris Long unmarked at the far post to head the winner.
Late in injury time Bromley pushed everyone up for a corner, but it came to nothing and they ended the game empty handed having handed the initiative to the visitors.
The Ravens entertain Cambridge Utd in the EFL Trophy at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night before they travel to Colchester Utd in the League next Saturday.
Bromley: Smith, Imray (Sowunmi 83), Reynolds, Webster, Grant, Odutayo, Congreve (Dennis 61), Leigh (Thompson 74), Whitely, Cheek.
Subs Not Used: Amantchi, Dinanga, Topalloj, Long.
Crewe: Marschall, Williams, Demetriou, Knght-Lebel, Conway (Cooney 82), Sanders, Thomas (Lankester 56), Holicek (Long 64), Billington (Tabiner 56), Tracey (Bogle 82), Hemmings.
Subs not Used: Connolly, Finney.
HT 1-0 FT 1-2
Goals; BFC: Leigh 1mins. CAFC: Demetriou 83, Long 90mins
Referee: Scott Jackson
ATT: 3,322