Bromley missed a great chance to win their first league match of the season when they drew 2-2 at fellow Ryman League Division One strugglers Barking & East Ham United on Saturday.

But the game had begun so promisingly for the Whites when they surged into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes.

First, after 16 minutes, John Myatt's inswinging corner deceived everybody and sailed into the top corner of the net.

Then, two minutes later, he repeated his party-piece, only this time his corner-kick was touched over the line by Mark Harris to put Bromley two-up.

Earlier, Myatt has seen his second-minute free-kick touch-ed over the bar and striker Dean Thomas, on loan from Carshalton Athletic, had a shot well saved after seven minutes.

But Barking, one place and two points above Bromley in the table, pulled a goal back on the half-hour when hesitancy in the Bromley defence allowed Simon Vickers to find player/manager Richard Thomas, who chipped Danny Harwood as he advanced off his line.

Two minutes after the break Barking equalised when Frost tripped Jason Friend just inside the box and Stewart Moody sent Harwood the wrong way with his spot kick.

Despite that setback, Bromley continued to take the game to the east Londoners and they created and wasted numerous opportunitites to win the game.

Gary Drewitt shot wide when well placed, Carl Bartley headed wide from just six yards, and Thomas was then twice denied. First, his shot was parried and then his follow-up effort was scrambled away.

Then with five mineutes left Frost delivered a pin-point cross from the left to sub Neil Pearch, but he headed wide with only the keeper to beat.

This Saturday, Bromley play Uxbridge at Hayes Lane at 3pm.

November 14, 2001 11:17