Bromley suffer 3-1 home reverse at hands of Sutton United

BY MARK DOIG

Early goals in each half were the cornerstone of Sutton United’s victory at Bromley.

The National League leaders strengthened their hold on top spot with a disciplined performance against a fellow team enjoying a good run of results.

Neil Smith’s Ravens were hampered by the loss of both team captain Byron Webster and club captain Jack Holland at the heart of their defence and went behind in the sixth minute. Aaron Simpson crossed and Omar Bugiel headed on to Harry Beautyman. He played it back to Craig Eastmond, whose shot hit the underside of the bar and went in off goalkeeper Mark Cousins.

Simpson came close to making it two but Cousins beat his shot away then Isaac Olaofe could only find the side-netting after catching Kory Roberts out.

After that, Bromley found their feet and enjoyed more of the possession but struggled to create chances. Bridge had a shot kept out by the legs of Dean Bouzanis before Bromley had a good shout for a penalty when Coulson burst in the area and appeared to be brought down but the referee showed no interest.

However, he was in no doubt when Roberts tumbled Olaofe in the penalty area two minutes after the break and Beautyman smashed the spot-kick high into the back of the net.

David Ajiboye almost profited when intercepting Chris Bush’s pass out but fired just over before an electric burst by Bromley substitute Charlie Wakefield ended when he ran out of room and could only fire behind the goal.

Sutton substitute Tobi Sho-Silva collected a poor ball out by Cousins but the keeper recovered to save Sho-Silva’s first time effort.

Frankie Raymond shot wide for Bromley before Sutton went 3-0 up with a route one goal. Olaofe’s pace sent him away when chasing a long ball over the top and although Cousins half-saved his shot, he couldn’t stop it from crossing the line.

Bromley didn’t throw in the towel and pulled one back with 11 minutes to go. Bridge collected a pass from Raymond and went past two defenders before picking his spot just inside the far post.

Bush fired over from a free-kick and Taylor Maloney was also unable to keep a shot down as the Ravens tried to get it back down to a one-goal deficit but Sutton controlled the four additional minutes and Ajiboye might have added a fourth but again shot over.

PICTURES: ROB AVIS