A dogged and combative performance by Bromley was not enough to see the Ravens return from Gloucestershire with any reward as a solitary goal by the excellent Keanu Marsh-Brown proved to be the difference.

Buoyed by their stylish win away at Maidstone United in midweek, a confident Bromley travelled to their high flying opponents undaunted by the task at hand. However Neil Smith was unable to name an unchanged side as Bradley Goldberg was drafted in for an injured George Porter and Rob Swaine replaced Joe Howe who was injured in the pre-match warm up.

Although Forest Green Rovers were to prove to be the dominant side throughout the first half, with regards to possession, the excellent display of the Bromley rearguard ensured that the hosts were repeatedly thwarted.

As early as the 12^th minute Liam Noble served notice of the hosts’ intentions with a free-kick that fizzed just over the crossbar.  A minute later the enterprising Marsh-Brown crossed for Rhys Murphy who flashed his header just past the post.

With Bromley struggling to get an attacking foot-hold in the game, it took until the 20^th minute for them to threaten the Forest Green goal. Goldberg’s 25 yard drive being tipped over the crossbar by Sam Russell.

Marsh-Brown was at the heart of the best attacking moments for Forest Green and he went close himself with an effort from distance that beat Julian but went the wrong side of the post.  Eight minutes before half time he then ran at the heart of the Bromley defence before slotting a ball through for Elliot Frear but Frear’s first time shot was well saved by the feet of Julian.

Shortly before half-time Goldberg nearly got a goal completely against the run of play. Ben Chorley’s long pass found Goldberg in space just inside the penalty area who did well to wriggle past two Forest Green defenders but his end product was lacking as he tamely shot at Russell.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first as Forest Green pressed relentlessly for a goal and Bromley doggedly dug in hoping to catch their hosts out from a set-piece or counter attack.

Once again the excellent Marsh-Brown proved to be the stand-out performer, within four minutes of the restart he forced Julian into a smart save at his near post as he profited from some hesitant Bromley defending.

However the real turning point of the game was to come in the 51^st minute, having resolutely held out Bromley managed to fashion their clearest opportunities of the game. A Blair Turgott free kick from 22 yards out managed to evade everyone and crash off the left hand post with Russell well beaten before Rob Swaine’s follow up then crashed against the right hand post as luck favoured the men from Nailsworth.

Smarting from the let-off Forest Green then proceeded to take contol of the game, Frear was denied a penalty when it appeared he was brought down by Jack Holland but referee Samuel Allison ignored the fervent appeals.

Julian then had to make an awkward save from a Noble free-kick, but just as Bromley minds were starting to turn towards thoughts of gaining a point Marsh-Brown popped up with the winning goal.

As the Bromley defence tried to desperately clear lines following another Forest Green attack, the ball worked its way to Frear whose neat chip across the box found Marsh-Brown in plenty of space. He made no mistake with first time side foot finish beyond Julian.

Buoyed by the go ahead goal Forest Green quickly set about trying to see off the game, Noble played in substitute Drissa Traore but he shot wildly over the bar when well set in the penalty area.

With seven minutes remaining Julian once again had to be at his best, Ben Jefford’s barnstorming run from left back ended with a fierce effort that Julian did well to save at his near post before Julian did even better to prevent Darren Carter’s follow up.

However it was Bromley who were to have the last genuine chance of the game and one that Jack Holland will look back on ruefully. With two minutes of the game remaining, a Dave Martin cross found its way to Holland on the edge of the 18 yard box but his sweetly hit half-volley clipped the crossbar with Russell well beaten.

Forest Green Rovers: Russell, Jefford Clough, Bennett, Marsh-Brown (Doidge 90), Kelly (Traore 71), Frear, Carter, Noble ©, Pinnock, Murphy (Moore 66)

Subs not used: Tubbs, Racine

Goals:  Marsh-Brown 73

Bromley:  Julian, Holland, Swaine, Chorley, Anderson, Turgott, Prestedge, Porter (Dymond 83), Martin, Sho-Silva, Goldberg (Cunnington 86)

Subs not used: Johnson, Pavey

Attendance: 1371 (70 Bromley)

Referee: Mr Samuel Allison