It was a frustrating afternoon for Bromley who fell to defeat at the hands of Wrexham.

After a lively opening few minutes, Wrexham striker, Jordan Ponticelli, showed his threat, by nearly getting onto a through ball from the Wrexham midfield – for only Mark Cousins to quickly sweep up the attack. In the 7th minute, the Wrexham striker nearly gave the visitors the lead, after being put through on goal by Davis Keillor-Dunn, Ponticelli’s effort came off the post – much to the relief of the Bromley defence .

On his first start for Wrexham, Keillor-Dunn glided his way past the Ravens’ defence – after picking up the ball from 20 yards – and slotted past Cousins to hand the lead to the Red Dragons. Minutes later, Bromley were controversially denied a penalty by the referee, when Corey Whitely outmuscled Wrexham centre back and captain, Shaun Pearson, to be taken down in the penalty area. The decision was met with much disbelief from the players and supporters. After some fine crosses in the first half by Luke Coulson, Whitely went on a mazy run, skilfully getting through the Wrexham midfield, to only shoot over the keepers bar. With the half coming to an end, Keillor-Dunn caused havoc again for the opposition, when his inch perfect cross found Ponticelli – who placed his header just wide.

In the second half, Bromley started the more positive of the two teams. Chris Bush’s dipping free kick from 25 yards forced a great save from Wrexham goalkeeper, Rob Lainton. Wrexham nearly doubled their league moments later. Keillor-Dunn from 20 yards, forced a fantastic save from Cousins. With 30 minutes left to play, Bromley winger, Aaron Rowe came on to make his debut for Bromley. Rowe’s introduction, was the catalyst in some good play by the Raven’s, with Sam Wood shooting straight to Lainton’s middle after some clever play by the Bromley midfield. In the 65th minute, Michael Cheek set he ball up well for Whitely who forced another good save from Lainton. The Wrexham goalkeeper was busy minutes later, when debutant Rowe performed a sublime piece of skill to once again be denied by Lainton.

Bromley played with spirit and desire and were extremely unlucky not to equalise on numerous occasions in the second half. With the game nearing an end, Ponticelli had the opportunity to seal Bromley’s fate. Wrexham substitute, Paul Rutherford, crossed for the Wrexham frontman, who saw his header come off the bar. After a spell of pressure by Bromley, Wrexham doubled their lead. Ponticelli took on the Bromley defence and fired in a shot from close range. It was a day to forget for The Ravens.

By Alex Exadactylos

Bromley XI: Cousins, Kizzi, Bush, Winfield (C), Wood, Raymond (Rees), Bingham, Williamson (Rowe), Whitely, Coulson, Cheek (Clifton)

Subs not used: Huddart, Holland.