A controversial goal in the closing stages of the first half proved the difference between table-topping Forest Green and Bromley on Monday.

The Ravens ended up losing the game 2-1 but produced a performance which will enhance their belief they do belong in non-league football’s top tier.

Winger Delano Sam-Yorke was announced as the scorer of Rovers’ decisive second goal, but the record will show that the finishing touch in a crowded six yard box came from grounded defender James Jennings.

And it appeared to the visiting players and supporters Jennings was in an offside position, a view which met with some sympathy even from the home team’s followers. 

Forest Green began the game with the confidence expected of a side who had won their opening six games and quickly took the lead. 

There were just five minutes on the clock when Jennings grazed Aarran Racine’s glancing header from an out-swinging corner past Bromley keeper Alan Julian. 

Bromley’s response was swift. 

Ali Fusieini floated a free-kick into the wall where Alex Wall met with surprisingly little opposition from a defence which had conceded just one goal going into the game to head home. 

The ball looped over Jonny Maxted and into the bio-degradable goal net on a ground which prides itself on its environmental sustainability.

The Ravens went on to provide a stern test of the sustainability of Rovers’ title challenge. 

Maxted produced an excellent save, tipping over from Moses Emmanuel. 

As Bromley continued to attack, they more than held their own until Jennings added his second just before the interval.

Substitute Bradley Goldberg was denied twice in five second half minutes. 

First, his shot across the goal produced a superb save from Maxted who blocked with his legs. 

He quickly found himself in a similar position, shooting across the goal from the right, only for the home keeper to match his efforts with a fine double save. 

It was just part of a contribution which saw Maxted awarded the man-of-the-match at the New Lawn Stadium, a ringing endorsement of Bromley’s contribution to the match.

Maxted’s effort was matched by opposition number Julian, who made a number of important saves.

Two came in quick succession, as he pushed bulky forward Jon Parkin’s effort wide and tipped over Charlie Clough’s header from the resulting corner.

Things never got comfortable for Rovers’ defence who had to deal with an unusually strapping Bromley attack with both Wall and Ben May on the field, but they finished the game the stronger and claimed their seventh successive win.

Bromley will look to build on this display when they entertain fourth-placed Gateshead at Hayes Lane on Saturday.

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Bromley: Julian, Rodgers, Holland, Francis, Anderson; Joseph-Dubois (Goldberg 29), Fuseini, Prestedge (May 74) , Cook, Wall, Emmanuel. Subs not used: Udoji, Swaine, Chorley. Att: 1,764 (78 from Bromley).