Bromley manager Mark Goldberg was left with mixed emotions after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelmsford City in front of a bumper crowd at Hayes Lane on Saturday.
The Ravens dominated proceedings and could have gone top with victory but for Christian Smith’s first half strike for the Conference South strugglers, coupled with Danny Waldren’s penalty miss after the break, as the hosts failed to impress on Non-League Day.
Moses Ademola tries to get past a Chelmsford player
And while Goldberg was disappointed with the result, he remained confident his high-flyers showed enough to prove they are more than capable of competing at the top.
The Bromley boss said: “We never really got into the flow like we have done recently.
“We had enough corners and possession but the goalscoring opportunities weren’t really taken advantage of and we weren’t clinical in the final third.
Pierre Joseph-Dubois battles for the ball
“It’s just disappointing because it’s a home game and it was a big crowd.
“But I thought all in all we showed enough to know that we are capable of competing up there.”
Chelmsford’s winning goal came against the run of play while captain Rob Swaine was off the pitch receiving treatment for ruptured ligaments in the defender’s shoulder.
Rob Swaine receives treatment
But despite Bromley’s numerical disadvantage, Goldberg was not looking to make excuses for the strike which condemned his side to a second defeat of the campaign.
“In fairness they didn’t really trouble us all game, other than that throw-in which led to the goal,” the manager said.
“We didn’t prepare well enough for it, a player was left free and that was their only clear-cut chance and they took it.
Damian Scannell delivers a cross
“It looks very disappointing for all Bromley fans and all of us because we lost.
“But in terms of possession we dominated throughout the whole game.
“At the end of the day, goals make the difference.
“We couldn’t score today and they did.”
Despite disappointment at the result, Goldberg praised the success of the day off the pitch.
Adam Birchall
Bromley’s average attendance has increased this season and a crowd of 1,485 were attracted to Hayes Lane for Non-League Day, with a half price ticket initiative for Football League season ticket holders and a family fun day taking place for the game.
Goldberg also hailed the contribution of new co-owners Ashley and Derek Reading for the club’s recent upturn, who have already outlined ambitions to take the club into the Football League within five years.
“It was a very successful day,” added the Hayes Lane boss.
Danny Waldren shoots over
“The club have put on an excellent event, so everybody off the pitch has performed.
“Unfortunately on the pitch we didn’t quite do justice to a great day.
“It’s great to get that number of fans through the gate. It shows what the new chairmen are doing down here, there’s a really good vibe about the place.
“Even though we’ve lost, I hope the fans can see that we contributed to the game as much as we could.”
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