Chelmsford 3 v 2 Bromley

Ryman Premier

DESPITE a spirited display from an injury-hit side, Bromley could not avoid defeat, writes Patrick Harris.

Bromley are now without a win in nearly two months but there was worse news when top scorer Nic McDonnell went off injured.

The former Crawley Town man will be out for up to four weeks with a hamstring problem.

Although Chelmsford started brightly Bromley looked solid at the back playing 4-4-2.

The hosts did most of the pressing but on 25 minutes Bromley took the lead when Ashley Carew played a marvellous ball to McDonnell who nipped in to tuck the ball past the keeper for his 12th goal of the season.

Bromley could not build on their lead and Chelmsford were level on 33 minutes when Jamie Richards lobbed Andy Walker from the edge of the box.

The Ravens were then pinned back with Walker performing heroics and skipper Colin Luckett clearing off the line.

The second half started evenly with the play flowing from end to end before McDonnell was carried off and was replaced by the hard-working Wade Falana.

Gary Drewett and Des Boateng went close for Bromley but Chelmsford were gaining the ascendancy.

On 65 minutes they took the lead when Michael Haswell ran clear to roll the ball into an empty net.

Bromley cracked under increasing pressure and a long cross from the left was headed home by Ricky Holmes on 77 minutes.

Bromley fought back and Carew made it 3-2 with a low drive from 18 yards but despite a late spell of pressure Bromley could not find an equaliser.

George Wakeling's men are now without a league win since November 19 and they sit in 16th spot in the Ryman Premier League.