A five goal thriller between two of the top five provided great entertainment for both sets of fans, although it was Bromley fans that went home happy as a late Steven Smith winner cemented Bromley’s position in second place.

It was Basingstoke who started the match better taking the lead courtesy of some sloppy Bromley defending as Patridge volleyed in after Ibe’s overhead kick had rebounded off the bar.

However, the Basingstoke lead was only to last ten minutes as Bromley top scorer Goldberg crashed in an unstoppable drive from the edge of the box to level the scores.

Bromley proceeded to stamp their authority on the game in the remainder of the first half and deservedly took the lead when Mullings headed in a Pooley cross at the back post just before half time.

The second half took a similar tone to the first as Basingstoke took advantage of a slow Bromley start to level the game up, Ibe held the ball up well to release McAuley to crash in a powerful drive from the edge of the box.

As the game looked to be drifting to a draw, the introduction of Ben Swallow made the difference as his jinking run down the wing set up Smith to curl in a wonderful goal to seal the win.

Bromley XI: Carey, Pooley Anderson Waldren Swaine Holland Joseph-Dubois Nicholls (Smith) Goldberg Mullings (Buchanan) Kiernan (Swallow)

Subs: Parmenter Swallow Smith Buchanan Mcbean

Basingstoke XI: Young, Rice Green Barrett Gasson Ray Daly Patridge Matthews Ibe McAuley

Subs: Smart Adams Campbell Jenkinson Mcdonnell

Ref: Mr A. Sannerude

Star Man: Bradley Goldberg (Bromley)

Rating: 4/5