Bath City 1-3 Bromley

BROMLEY returned home from Somerset on Saturday with maximum points after making the most of the chances which came their way.

The Lillywhites got off to the perfect start when they went ahead after just two minutes when a cross by debutant Ryan Dolby was headed on by Nic McDonnell to Warren McBean at the far post who, unmarked, had a simple tap in.

Bath had plenty of possession but failed to threaten as the Bromley defence coped admirably with their efforts.

But it was Bromley who might have increased their lead on nine minutes when Luke I’Anson sent a ball over the top where McBean, in a good position, screwed his shot wide.

Ashley-Paul Robinson was denied five minutes later by a fingertip save from goalkeeper Paul Evans.

The visitors increased their goal tally on 34 minutes with a goal which would have made goal of the month if shown on TV. Bath City had a corner which Gareth Williams plucked out of the air. A quick throw out from the keeper released McBean, who carried it for 40 yards before slipping inside to I’Anson and, as Evans came out, I’Anson calmly placed his shot wide of the goalkeeper and into the net.

A bright start to the second half by the hosts came to nothing with only Gethin Jones forcing a good save out of Williams with a low shot, but it was Bromley who still posed the bigger threat around the 18-yard box.

Robinson found the side netting and Ryan Hall sent a free-kick just over the bar before Bromley went further ahead on 67 minutes.

Robinson seized on a poor clearance and released Hall.

The winger’s cross was headed against the crossbar by McDonnell but McBean, following up, had an easy shot to score his second of the afternoon.

City responded in the last 10 minutes with Dave Gilroy sending a long shot fizzing across the face of the goal and Lewis Hogg shooting wide when well placed.

Williams made a great diving save from Gilroy, only for Stuart Douglas to blaze the loose ball over the bar.

The home side gained their consolation goal with one minute remaining when Adam Connelly, totally unmarked, beat Williams with a low shot into the corner from the edge of the box, but by then it was too late.

Meanwhile, Bromley’s Kent Senior Cup tie against Dartford has been rearranged for December 9 at Hayes Lane, kick-off 7.45pm.

Bromley: Williams, Norval, Dolby, Swaibu, Sobers, Gillman, Robinson (Joseph 70), I’Anson, McBean, McDonnell (Stone 77), Hall. Subs not used: Manuella, Man, Davis. Att: 512.