Bromley missed the chance to go second in the National League as they fell to a controversial 2-1 defeat at Notts County.

Wes Thomas and Connel Rawlinson struck for the hosts either side of Michael Cheek's effort at Meadow Lane before ending the game with ten men after Chris Bush's late dismissal.

Defeat left Neil Smith's side fourth in the table, five points adrift of leaders Barrow who they travel to on Saturday.

Poor Start

The Ravens got off to a poor start, as Sam Osborne breezed past Frankie Raymond and into the box from the left, before laying the ball back to Wes Thomas, who smashed the ball home with just four minutes on the clock.

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The Ravens then came back into the game strongly, and Chris Bush forced Sam Slocombe into a good save with a volley at the back post, after the remains of a corner had fallen into his path. Ryan Huddart had to be alert at the other end to deny Thomas, with the striker in on goal after reaching a long ball forward.

Notts were given the opportunity to double their lead on 25 minutes, as Jack Holland was penalised for a push in the box, with a spot kick awarded to the hosts. Up stepped Mitch Rose, only to see his effort cannon off the inside of the post and onto Ryan Huddart, before Enzio Boldewijn blazed over.

On 28 minutes, a long throw in from Chris Bush was headed in by Joe Kizzi and awarded by the linesman, yet, the referee intervened and disallowed the goal.

A minute after that, the ball fell to Billy Bingham on the edge of the box, and he sent a stinging effort goalwards, which was tipped over the bar by a diving SlocombeResurgentnt Ravens

Resurgent Ravens

Five minutes into the second half and Bromley were level. A stunning strike from Michael Cheek from 25 yards on the half volley had Slocombe beaten, with the ball nestling in the bottom corner.

Despite the Ravens playing the better football, it would be County who would re-take the lead on 70 minutes.

With Bromley wrongly being denied a corner at the other end, Notts took advantage and earner a corner of their own straight after. It was taken short to Michael Doyle, whose cross was headed home by Connell Rawlinson.

The Ravens continued to play attacking football but were unable to force Slocombe into any further saves of note, and a second yellow card for Bush a minute before time meant the Ravens ended the game with ten men.

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Bromley XI: Huddart, Kizzi, Wood, Holland, Coulson (Coker), Raymond (Hackett-Fairchild), Cheek, Bingham (C), Bush (sent off 89′), Williamson, Rees (Klass)

Subs: Higgs, Najia (GK)

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