ETU270805

Gardner turns from hero to villain

Bromley suffered their first Ryman Premier League defeat of the season after being reduced to ten-men just before half-time and then conceeding a late penalty, writes Colin Head.

On arrival it was obvious what style The Rocks would play when you looked at the grass, which was very long, and then noticed as they warmed up that virtually every player in the squad was six foot plus.

Bromley started the brighter with Adolph Amoako heading just over and Wade Falana also went close with a shot from distance.

East Thurrock were very direct and physical, with their front two of West and former Wimbledon and Hastings man Ellis Remy a real handful.

Bromley's South African, Steve Potterill cleared one chance off the line and Andy Walker pulled off a great save from West as the home side began to dominate.

Turnball also shot just over from distance before the main talking point of the half came on 44 minutes.

The Rocks were awarded a free kick in midfield and as they tried to take it quick Barry Gardner - who scored in Bromley's 1-0 win at Walton & Hersham in midweek - blocked the ball with his foot and received his second yellow card from referee Ian Gosling.

If the game hadn't been tough for the Kent side this made things far worse.

However, Bromley started the second half brightly before being pinned back for long spells.

A brave challenge by Amoako on home goalkeeper Hardingham saw both players receive lengthy treatment.

Bromley had a penalty claim turned down when Amoako's shot hit a Rocks' defender on the arm, but that was the closest they got.

Home captain and former Charlton player Dean Chandler was awesome at the back and won everything.

East Thurrock's direct style pinned Bromley back and when they did clear the ball it came straight back again.

Walker made a great save from West as he latched onto a long ball over the defence and Cooper blasted over from close range.

The Ravens, however, were reduced to occasional breaks with Falana being asked to do a massive amount of work on his own up front.

Turnball sent another shot over for the home side before they scored the winning goal with eleven minutes left.

Tutu Henqriques was caught out by a ball over the top and in attempting to retrieve the ball he brought down West inside the box and a penalty was awarded.

Holding smashed the kick past Walker, who did just get a hand to it.

Fraser Logan had one last chance to grab a point for the ten-men but his well struck volley from the edge of the box was tipped over by Hardingham.

Walker took a heavy knock just before time, but was still able to pull off another great save from Toughy inside stoppage time before the frustrating afternoon came to an end.

* Folkestone Invicta - who came back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw against Leyton at the Buzzlines Stadium today - visit The Courage Stadium in Hayes Lane on Monday (3pm).                

East Thurrock United: Hardingham, Turnbull, Holding, Stanbrook, Cooper, Chandler, Burns, Jones, West, Remy, Hazelden. Subs: Touhy, Harrison, Harris, Riley, Mully.