A devastating spell that saw Kent lose eight wickets for 33 runs dented Kent’s chances of being promoted down in Cardiff.

Glamorgan off-spinner Robert Croft returned 5-31 in his final first-class match to put a massive dent in Kent’s promotion hopes.

In reply to Glamorgan’s first innings 390, Kent were skittled in dramatic fashion for 170 after losing their last eight wickets for 33 runs in only 12.1 overs. Mike Reed supported Croft with figures of 3-39.

After following on 220 behind Kent finished the day 33 for two in their second innings, needing a further 187 to avoid an innings defeat.

That was after that had lost captain Rob Key and Daniel Bell-Drummond, who were both out twice in the day, for ducks.

Before the first-innings collapse Kent suffered an early setback when John Glover trapped Key lbw for 14.

Sam Northeast and Bell-Drummond gave the innings some impetus with a stand of 70 before the latter was trapped in front by Jim Allenby.

Just before tea Northeast, who reached his half-century off 81 balls, also went leg before to Croft to leave the visitors on 137 for three.

Kent then lost two more wickets in the space of six balls. Reed had Michael Powell, whose return to the SWALEC Stadium lasted only 12 balls, caught by Stewart Walters at second slip after Will Bragg had failed to take the initial chance.

Powell was followed back to the pavilion by Brendan Nash, who was taken by Allenby at slip after attempting to flick Croft through midwicket.

There later followed four wickets in the space of 13 deliveries.

Geraint Jones gave Croft a return catch; Reed accounted for Darren Stevens and Matt Coles with consecutive balls and James Tredwell was lbw to Croft.

Kent’s frustrations from the first day continued into the second after Glamorgan resumed their first innings on 334 for eight.

The stand between Allenby – 100 overnight – and Glover added a further 46 runs in 10.4 overs, breaking the Glamorgan record for the ninth wicket against Kent.

Kent finally got their third bowling point eight balls before the end of the restrictions when Coles had Glover caught at second slip.

Allenby, on his 30th birthday, was then left stranded on 125 when Reed was trapped lbw by Coles.

Kent won the toss and elected to bowl.

Glamorgan side: Bragg, James, Walters, Wright, Lloyd, Allenby, Wallace, Wagg, Croft, Glover, Reed.

Kent side: Key, Northeast, Bell-Drummond, Nash, Powell, Stevens, Jones, Tredwell, Coles, Davies, Shreck.

Umpires: S Garratt & T Jesty

Close of play day two: Glamorgan 390 all out, Kent 170 all out & 33 for 2.