Bromley can consider themselves a little unlucky not to have recorded their second Ryman Division One League win of the season at Hayes Lane on Saturday against a Thame United team who were considered one of the pre-season promotion favour-ites.

The Lillywhites' goal was only threatened ince during the first half and when Carl Bartley turned Robbie Hughes' intelligent cross beyond Thame United's goalkeeper, Alan Foster, after good work by Gary Drewett for his first goal since returning to the club 10 minutes before the break, things were looking good for the home side.

United were stung into action by the goal, but despite having plenty of possession they failed to trouble Danny Harwood in the Bromley goal with the exception of a Mark West effort after 15 minutes.

The second half began with the visitors on top, but the Bromley defence coped well and seemed to have waethered the storm when United drew level in very controversial

circumstances on the hour.

Mark Harris was harshly adjudged to have brought down Thame's Rob Smith in the penalty area, even though the Bromley defender looked to have won the ball cleanly.

Despite furious protests from Harris and his team-mates, the referee stood by his decision and Mark Jones gratefully thumped te spot-kick past Harwood.

Despite this setback, Bromley had a chance to regain the lead five minutes later.

Bartley found himself unmarked in the six-yard box at a corner, but he failed to make good contact with Mark Tivey's accurately delivered flag-kick.

After that left-off, United went in search of the winner, but it would have been harsh on Bromley if they had finished empty-handed after such a gritty performance.

This Saturday, Bromley entertain Tooting & Mitcham at Hayes Lane in the second round of the FA Umbro Trophy at 3pm. If a relay is necessary, it will take place next Tuesday at 7.30pm.

November 27, 2001 11:58