Bromley’s New Year started in very disappointing fashion away at local rivals Sutton United where they were outplayed by their hosts and only managed two efforts on target all game.
The game started and continued in driving rain making the 3G pitch even slicker and a swirling wind that saw numerous goal kicks go out for throw ins effecting the quality of play.
Bromley created the first chance of the match when Blair Turgott broke free down the right and sent in a cross come shot that Ross Worner saved at the near post.
From there Sutton were the dominant force, Dan Fitchett sent a fierce effort across goal, which went just wide and Bedsente Gomis had two efforts well saved by Alan Julian after great crosses from Roarie Deacon. The home side continued to press as The Ravens struggled to create anything, Bradley Hudson-Odoi, Nicky Bailey, Deacon and Craig Eastmond all went close before Bromley had their best chance of the game.
Dave Martin cut in from the left and drew Worner out from his goal, but he slipped as he shaped to shoot and the prone keeper kicked the ball out for a corner. From the resulting set piece Jack Holland had a header parried by Worner, who then gathered the loose ball unchallenged in the six yard box.
At the other end though in first half injury time Sutton finally got their breakthrough, when a Deacon free kick from the right was deftly headed home by Max Biammou from ten yards out past a static Bromley defence.
The second half saw Bromley initially press when a Joe Anderson free kick was eventually hacked away from the six yard box, but it was brief respite for The Ravens.
Soon after Eastmond hit a powerful 40yard drive which cannoned off the post and Hudson-Odoi forced a save from Julian, before the pressure eventually paid off again on the hour mark when a corner led to a frantic scramble in front of goal before the ball fell to Hudson-Odoi who drove it high into the net through a crowd of players for 2-0.
Neil Smith tried to shake things up bringing on two attacking players, but to little effect. Deacon put another cross over for Biammou who headed over and Deacon was again involved when he tore down the right and put in a great ball for Fitchett who volleyed over from close range.
As the game drifted Bromley made one chance when Turgott put in a good ball for Adam Cunnington, but the big striker headed over and The Ravens ran out of attacking ideas. Late on Adam May forced another save from Julian, before tempers boiled over with a couple of scuffles on the pitch and Sutton manager Paul Doswell being sent to the stands.
Bromley now have six days to regroup and prepare for their next league game at home to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.
Goals: Biammou 45, Hudson-Odoi 61mins.
Sutton: Worner, Jefford (Hudson Odoi 17,Monakanna 76) , Beckwith, Collins, Gomis, Fitchett, Eastmond (May 64), Bailey, Deacon, Biammou, Downer. Subs Not Used: Dundass, Tubbs.
Bromley: Julian, Johnson (Wynter 84), Anderson, Swaine, Holland, Turgott, Dymond, Higgs, Martin (Dennis 68), Porter (Goldberg 61), Cunnington. Subs Not Used: Chorley, Prestedge.
Referee: Mr S Barrow
HT 1-0 FT 2-0
ATT: 1,766