On paper this was a game between the second and third placed sides, but the gulf in resources and the gap in class was massive, inevitably in the end the more affluent hosts were well worth the three points.

Having been forced to cut the budget following the early FA Cup exit Bromley had let four players go during the week and then lost another four for varying reasons in the build up to the game, which left them very light for such a big game.

Lining up 3-5-2 The Ravens matched Sutton early on Mitchell Nelson went close for the hosts while Jay May headed over for Bromley. As the half went on though Sutton spent far more time on the attack with Mark Goldberg’s men unable to find any final ball when they did have possession.

Late on Anthony Riviere, Craig Dundass and Jamie Stuart all went close, but the sides went in level at the break.

Bromley started the second half in positive style, Jay May missed a great opportunity to break the deadlock, but shot straight at Tom Lovelock when one on one.

Soon after Brendan Kiernan also spurned a great chance and The Ravens were maid to pay for their lack of killer touch when on 50 minutes Jamie Slabber flicked in a low cross from the right after some poor defending to make it 1-0 to Sutton.

The home team then dominated for long spells with Nelson forcing a good save from Joe Welch, Slabber heading over and Riviere going close. Bromley switched to 4-4-2 for the final 30 minutes, but their inability to keep hold of the ball constantly frustrated any attempts to mount a response.

Former Bromley captain Ali Fuseini went close before The Ravens had one final great chance to equalise after good work down the left, but Bradley Goldberg took a touch when four yards from goal and could only scuff his shot into Lovelock’s arms.

The home side came close to adding a second in injury time, but Taylor Parmenter’s brave block foiled Sam Rents’ powerful effort.

In the end one goal was enough for Sutton who looked a quality side, while Bromley who did have chances to grab a point look destined to struggle as they face up to the financial reality of the early FA Cup exit.

 

Bromley: Welch, Parmenter, Swaine, Holland, Kiernan (Griffiths 80), Dubois, Buchanan, Smith, Swallow (Poolley 58), May (O’Connor 75), Goldberg.

Subs: McDonnell, Kanu.

Goals:   Slabber 50mins (Sutton)

Match Rating:  3/5

Star Man: Dale Binns (Sutton)

Referee: Mr Hatzidakis