THERE was a huge sigh of relief, as well as jubilation, at Hayes Lane at around quarter-to-five on Saturday evening when the whistle went at the end of Bromley's 18th Ryman League Division One match of the season.

The 1-0 win over Uxbridge was Bromley's first league win of the season and was extremely meritorious considering that Uxbridge were eighth in the table at the start of play.

In a dour match in which both defences dominated, it was Uxbridge who created the better of the few first-half chances.

But nearing the break Bromley went close on two occasions with Carl bartley's header and then Gary Drewitt's firmly-hit shot both being saved by the Uxbridge goalkeeper.

The vital breakthrough and a goal which could turn Bromley's ailing season round came nine minutes after the interval.

The Uxbridge defence failed to deal with Mark Tivey's long-range free-kick into their penalty area and Drewitt was on hand to drive home the loose ball.

The goal gave a big lift to Bromley and they almost increased their lead less than a minute later when Bartley's header skimmed the crossbar.

Danny Harwood, in the home goal, had been given little to do in the second half but he needed to be at his best to deny Uxbridge's Barry Bamford from equalising.

Bromley then ought to have put the game beyond doubt two minutes from time when, foll-owing a quick counter-

attack, Kris Hollidge's shot was cleared off the line by Paul Mills.

However, Bromley's interest in the Kent Senior Cup ended at Hartsdown Park last midweek when the Lillywhites lost 3-1 to Margate.

Although they lost to the third-placed Nationwide Conference side, it would have to be regarded as Bromley's best performance of the season.

Playing soon excellent football, Bromley created more chances than their hosts but, as has been the case for most of this season, failed to convert them.

Drewitt had a shot cleared off the line and Robbie Highes saw a shot shave the post.

But then Margate, against the run of play, took the lead after 19 minutes when Phil Collins found space to slide his shot underneath the

advancing Harwood.

However, Bromley rallied strongly and a minute before the break a slightly fortuitous, but nonetheless deserved, goal put them level.

Hollidge's pass played Kirk Watts clear down the left wing and his curling cross eluded the Margate goalkeeper before nestling in the top corner of the net.

After the interval, Margate started to show some of the form which had taken them so high in the Conference when they took the lead after 65 minutes. A good move down the right ended with a long cross to the far post where full-back Paul Lamb dived forward to head superbly past Harwood.

Bromley refused to let their heads drop and Drewitt, Watts, Mark Nich-olas and John Myatt all had efforts go just wide, blocked to saved.

Margate were forced to defend in numbers as Bromley pressed for an equaliser but three minutes from time, the home side broke upfield and Steve Hafner scored.

It was cruel luck on a Bromley side which did not deserve to lose and had played with so much spirit.

This Saturday, Bromley entertain Thame United at Hayes Lane in the league at 3pm, while on Tuesday they are at home to Billericay Town in the first round of the Ryman league Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.

November 20, 2001 13:03