Rare Waldren penalty miss proves costly for Bromley (From News Shopper)

Bromley 0-0 Eastleigh

11:03am Monday 12th March 2012 in Non-League Football

DANNY Waldren missed a late penalty as Bromley were held to a scoreless home draw by Eastleigh on Saturday.

Eastleigh seemed content to pack their defence and shied away from any attacking play, having just three attempts on goal in the whole game.

The home side more or less dominated proceedings throughout in a scrappy game.

But Lady Luck was not with as they hit the post, had two clear penalty claims turned down before Walden’s spot kick three minutes from time came crashing back off the bar.

It was the visitors, however, who nearly capitalised on a mistake by Hakeem Araba in the 11th minute which ended with ex-Dagenham & Redbridge striker, Damian Scannell’s shot being blocked by keeper Joe Welch.

Andy Forbes shot wildly over the bar but Bromley’s first direct attempt on goal came when Ali Fuseini’s cross cleared out to Waldren, whose 25-yard volley was turned around the post by Eastleigh keeper Jack Dovey at full stretch.

A few moments later Gareth Williams, who was making appearance in the starting line up, played Pierre Joseph-Dubois clear.

Joseph-Dubois beat two defenders before crossing but there were no other forwards up to take advantage.

On 39 minutes Joseph-Dubois, who had changed positions with Albert Jarrett, sent in a cross from the left and Eastleigh’s full back Gary Elphick headed towards his own goal, forcing Dovey to make a good save.

The visitors had the first opportunity of the second half when a long pass was played over the top for Aldershot loanee Bradley Bubb to run onto.

Despite looking suspiciously offside, he scuffed his effort well wide of the far post with only Welch to beat.

Bromley were very unfortunate not to take the lead on 52 minutes when Waldren won possession to send in the perfect cross to Joseph-Dubois, whose header came back off the inside of the upright to rebound in to the arms of a grateful keeper.

Two minutes later came the first of two contentious penalty decisions which went against the Hayes Lane side. Joseph-Dubois dribbled around two defenders and was bundled over by Elphick inside the area, but the referee clearly was not interested.

Then Araba was clearly pulled to the ground by Phillip Appiah in front of the official, who was no more than three yards from the incident, and again he allowed play to continue.

The hosts were well on top now and Araba shot over instead of taking perhaps the easier option and passing to the unmarked Williams, who seemed to be in a better position.

Waldren squandered a good chance when leaning back he fired high and wide from 10 yards following good work by Joseph-Dubois and a cross from Tutu Henriques.

But the real moment of drama came with three minutes remaining when a free-kick was played into substitute Anthony Thomas.

With his back to goal Thomas flicked the ball up to make an overhead kick and as he did so, Appiah jumped from behind him to handle the ball above Thomas’ head.

The assistant referee flagged for a penalty despite furious protests from the visitors but Waldren, who has converted every penalty kick he has taken this season, unfortunately saw this one come crashing back off the bar.

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Bromley: Welch, Henriques, Patterson, Fuseini, Swaibu, Harwood, Joseph-Dubois (Rhule 90), Waldren, Araba (Thomas 76), Williams (Malcolm 64), Jarrett. Subs not used: Jones, Taylor. Att: 432.