Bromley’s unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt end on Saturday at Hayes Lane when Basingstoke Town recorded a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

The hosts opened brightly with Pierre Joseph-Dubois denied in the fourth minute when Basingstoke keeper Jonathan Henley moved smartly to block the attacker’s shot at the near post.

Chris Flood then scooped an effort over the bar from 10 yards following shoddy defending by Bromley.

Joseph-Dubois then saw another effort blocked by a defender and Moses Ademola was denied by Henley low down to the keeper’s left.

But the visitors always looked dangerous going forward, with Flood and Manny Williams instrumental in most of their attacks.

Flood’s first-time shot was blocked, only to fall back into his path where he fired over the bar from just inside the area.

Andrew Jenkinson skipped around three defenders only to shoot over before Reece Prestedge headed over Ugo Udoji’s free-kick at the other end.

However, Basingstoke’s ambitious approach finally paid off seven minutes before the break.

Simon Dunn fastened onto Williams’ cross and looked as though he was in a shooting position when Ali Fuseini tripped him in the area.

Although Bromley keeper Seb Brown got his fingertips to Williams’ spot-kick, he could not prevent it crossing the line.

Joseph-Dubois almost levelled two minutes when he got onto the end of Ademola’s flick on, only to see his low shot beat Henley but roll just the wrong side of the upright.

Liam Enver-Marum headed wide for the visitors early in the second half, but Bromley were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute when Ademola’s shot was blocked following Prestedge’s clearance.

As the ball came back to Ademola, Nathan Smart fouled the Bromley striker. 

However, Jamie Slabber’s very weak and half hearted penalty was easily saved by the Basingstoke keeper and the chance to draw level went begging.

Bromley made several forays into the visitors’ danger zone but were thwarted on every occasion by a well drilled and compact defence.

It came as no surprise when the Hampshire side increased their lead with nine minutes remaining.

A quick clearance found Williams free down the left and his pass picked out Flood, who had a simple task of scooping his shot past Brown.

And it got worse for the Hayes Lane club in the fourth minute of time added when the defence were caught napping and hopelessly out of position, allowing the unmarked Shaun McAuley to tap home substitute Lloyd Macklin’s lay off.

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Bromley: Brown, Udoji, Anderson, Fuseini, Swaine, Bailey-Dennis, Joseph-Dubois, Prestedge, Slabber (Birchall 59), Ademola (Scannell 59), Grant (Dennis 59). Subs not used: Waldren, Higgins. Att: 818.