Robertson own-goal seals Bromley win against a Crystal Palace XI

BY SAM SMITH

A late Sean Robertson own goal was the difference between Bromley and a young Crystal Palace XI at Hayes Lane.

The hosts began the better side and almost led twice inside the opening 15 minutes. Omar Bugiel was inches away from meeting Bobby-Joe Taylor’S cross before Frankie Raymond should have done better from 20 yards, instead hitting a tame effort at Dion-Curtis Henry.

The young Eagles improved as the first half progressed. Forward James Daly worked hard against a powerful Bromley back three and the midfield began to control the tempo of the game.

However, neither side created too many clear scoring opportunities. George Porter would have scored having been put through and rounded Henry, but he was adjudged to have handled the ball in the process.

Bugiel should perhaps have given Neil Smith’s side the lead when he powerfully met a left wing Raymond free-kick but headed over from six yards. Jordan Higgs then hit a speculative dipping effort inches over sub keeper Joe Tupper’s goal.

Daly had a sparse chance for the Eagles but was thwarted by David Gregory, and Bromley thought they had the lead soon after but the assistant referee ruled out Marc-Anthony Okoye’s goal for offside.

The Ravens were not to be denied and finally led on 72 minutes when ex-Palace man Kyle de Silva forced an own goal off Robertson, with the ball agonisingly trickling over the line despite the best efforts of Sam Woods.

And the hosts should have had a second soon after but Bugiel somehow managed to direct his effort onto the post rather than into the gaping net from Reece Meekums’ cross.

A plethora of substitutions threatened the tempo of the game and with Palace continuing to struggle to get into the final third, Bromley held on for a second successive pre-season victory against the Eagles.