Despite a spirited performance from The Ravens in Neil Smith’s first game as Interim Manager they just came up short against a strong Grimsby side who dominated possession and eventually made it tell.

Grimsby started the game on top with a spell of pressure that saw Alan Julian make a save low down by the post from Craig Disley, but on Bromley’s first attack they went in front on 6 minutes.

A quick free kick out on the right found Moses Emmanuel who sent in a perfect cross for Sean Francis to head home from six yards out in a crowded area.

For a while things evened out, Crystal Palace loanee Reise Allasanni crossed for Adam Cunnington whose header was saved by James McKeown.

As the half went on The Mariners once again took control of the possession and piled on the pressure, with Bromley’s midfield giving the ball away far too cheaply.

After a series of corners they eventually pulled level on 32 minutes when Nathan Arnold raced past Joe Anderson down the right and crossed for Jon Nolan to sweep the ball home from just inside the box.

Debutant Allassani showed great feet on a rare Bromley attack, but he just couldn’t get his shot away inside the six yard box and late on Grimsby once again dominated the play.

Arnold forced a fine save from Julian and Padraig Amond hit the post after a scramble in the box from yet another corner, but in the end the teams went in level.

Bromley started the second half in better form, Allassani crossed for Ben May whose goal bound effort was deflected over the bar, but as the half went on The Mariners began to take control again.

John-Paul Pittman had a header cleared by Jack Holland as they pressed, but The Ravens held out and battled back again. Adam Coombes had a shot deflected wide and the resulting corner somehow evaded everyone in the six yard box and went off for a goal kick.

Alex Wall blasted over from distance and Lee Minshull headed over from a free kick, before Grimsby pushed back one more time and grabbed the winner six minutes from time.

The Mariners were awarded a soft looking free kick out on the left and Arnold’s free kick was headed home by the unmarked Pittman from ten yards out.

Deep in injury time Bromley had a chance to grab an equaliser from a corner, but May’s header was saved by McKeown and the visitors left with all three points.

Neil Smith’s men now travel to Wrexham on Saturday looking to turn around a poor run of results which has seen them pick up one point this year.

 

Bromley: Julian, Rodgers, Anderson, Holland, Francis, Coombes (Goldberg 90), Fuseini, Minshull, Allassani (Wall 66), Emmanuel, Cunnington (May 45)

Subs Not Used: Swaine, Tumwa.

Grimsby: McKeown, Tait, Gowling, Disley, Bogle (Pittman 59), Amond, Monkhouse, Arnold (Pearson 85), Nisala, Nolan, Horwood.

Subs Not Used: Clay, East, Henderson.

Goals: Francis 6mins – Bromley. Nolan 32, Pittman 84mins – Grimsby.

Ref: Mr N Lugg

HT 1-1 FT 1-2

Att:1,079.