Bromley picked up a vital three points with a narrow win over fellow play off challengers Solihull Moors at a very wet Hayes Lane on Saturday afternoon. 

With both teams lining up in a 3-5-2 formation, the game got off to an even start, Bromley debutant Scott Wagstaff missed an early chance shooting over from close range following a good cross from Michael Cheek, while at the other end Ryan Bennett curled a chance wide.

Solihull had a good spell of possession from there Mark Cousins punching a cross out to Bennett but Chris Bush was on hand to head his shot off the line. With the game wide open George Alexander had an effort saved from a Luke Coulson corner, then Bennett went close again for Moors shooting just wide from a Harry Boyes cross.

Alexander hit the side netting with an effort from out wide, but soon after he atoned for his miss when he put Solihull keeper Ryan Boot under pressure and a mix up between the custodian and James Ball saw the ball come out to Wagstaff who slid the ball home for a debut goal to put Bromley 1-0 up.

Bush fired wide soon after, while Andrew Dallas set up Adam Rooney at the other end, but Cousins saved well.

Then in first half injury time The Ravens doubled their lead when Jude Arthurs played in Alexander down the right and he squared the ball to Cheek who converted from the edge of the box into the corner of the net for 2-0 and give the home side a somewhat flattering lead. 

The second half saw the game start quietly before Solihull had a good spell, Rooney headed wide for Moors and Dallas was just off target when well placed.

Joe Sbarra headed narrowly wide of the far post following a good passing move and then as Bromley sat back they invited even more pressure on.

With eighteen minutes to go Solihull pulled one back when James Clarke’s free kick found Ball who headed home in a crowded area to make it 2-1.

Boyes forced a good save from Cousins as the visitors pressed again, while Andy Woodman introduced young striker Palace Francis off the bench and his work rate was massively impressive as he closed down the Moors defenders who looked to play out from the back.

Late on a Moors corner was headed towards goal by Ball, but Coulson headed the ball off the line and then right on full time Danny Newton saw his goal bound shot deflected onto the roof of the net and with the everyone, including the Moors keeper Boot up for the corner, Bromley cleared the ball to safety and held on for the win. 

The victory takes Bromley up to third in the table ahead of their FA Trophy match at Aldershot Town next week.         

Bromley: Cousins, Bush, Webster, Sowunmi, Coulson, Arhurs, Wagstaff (Partington 78), Bingham, Whitely, Cheek (Alabi 85)  Alexander (Francis 75).

Subs Not Used: Forster, Cawley.  

Solihull: Boot, Clarke, Gudger (Osbourne 60), Barnett, Sbarra, Maynard, Maycock, Boyes, Ball, Roonet (Newton 60), Dalls.

Subs Not Used: Cranston, McNally, Lundstram.                                    

Goals: BFC – Cheek 36, Wagstaff 45mins. SMFC – Ball 72mins   

HT 2-0 FT 2-1 

Att: 1,411

Ref: Thomas Parsons