Bromley recorded a vital morale boosting victory to keep themselves at the top of the play off pack with a hard fought win over a strong Eastbourne side on Tuesday night at Hayes Lane.

The game was given extra edge as it had been postponed twice at late notice meaning this was the Sussex side’s third trip to The London Borough of Bromley this year.

With the pitch now in very good condition both sides had early spells of pressure in an open game, but there were a few late challenges from both teams to keep Referee Mr O’Brien busy.

The Ravens looked get the ball wide and use Pierre Joseph-Dubois and Brendan Kiernan as much as possible, they also looked much more solid at the back with Rob Swaine back and Gillingham loanee Devante McKain looking comfortable at right back.

Ali Fuseini went close for Bromley while Stacy Long forced a save from Joe Welch and Elvis Hammond fired wide for the visitors.

The home side made the most of a good spell of play when they took the lead on 27 minutes with Jay May showing good feet and composure to blast the ball through a crowded area into the net after good work from Kiernan.

Long caught Welch late as Eastbourne tried to find an equaliser and both players were booked for clashing after the challenge.

Ian Simpemba headed just off target while at the other end Joe Anderson went close with a free kick and Swaine headed wide for The Ravens.

The second half took a while to get going, May missed a good chance to score when one on one with the keeper and he also had an effort cleared off the line after a great ball from Fuseini. B

romley doubled their lead on 72 minutes when a Kiernan corner was eventually bundled over the line after coming off the post by a combination of Dubois and Swaine on the line.

With six minutes to go Borough grabbed a lifeline when a deep corner was turned over the line by Hammond from close range, but Mark Goldberg’s men held on for the win with little further incident.

This was a much improved display from the home team who in turn set a record points tally for their time in Conference South and helped keep them in second place.

 

Bromley: Welch, McKain, Anderson, Swaine, Poolley, Dubois, Waldren, Fuseini, Kiernan, May, Goldberg (Nicholls 80).

Subs Not Used: Dennis, Reid, Jarrett, Buchanan.

Eastbourne: Ross, Tallack, Cole, Aldred, Simpemba, Watts, Rowe (Lok 61), Raymond, Hammond, Gorman (Derry 75), Long (Johnson 72).

Subs Not Used: Levy, Stinson.

Goals: Bromley – May 27, Swaine 72mins. Eastbourne – Hammond 84mins.

Match Rating:  3/5

Star Man: Brendan Kiernan (Bromley)

Referee: Mr O’Brien

Att: 378