Andy Woodman might not want to admit it, but failing to capitalise on Salford’s slip-up was a missed opportunity for Bromley.
Bromley had the chance to extend their lead at the top of League Two to eight points after Salford were beaten at home by Chesterfield on Tuesday evening.
And they were set to do so until Crewe Alexandra substitute Mickey Demetriou struck in stoppage time to rescue a point at Hayes Lane.
"Forget Salford, it's more of a missed opportunity that we were so close to winning 2-1," Bromley boss Woodman said following the draw with Crewe. "These things happen. It hurts to concede a last-minute goal."
Three points would have disguised a relatively prosaic performance following a momentous win against Swindon Town on Saturday. Instead, an evening where Bromley allowed far too many crosses into the box maintained their six-point buffer at the top.
It may sting, but Bromley’s seven-game home winning run was bound to end at some point. More positively, Woodman’s side remain unbeaten at home, while they continue to punch above their weight at the summit of League Two.
League leaders Bromley were pegged back twice by mid-table Crewe.
Corey Whiteley pressured Max Sanders and stole the ball in midfield before carrying it to the edge of the box. His right-footed shot straight at Ian Lawlor was met with a weak hand, giving Bromley the lead after 31 minutes.
Despite having limited possession, Bromley were the more purposeful side – quick to turn defence into attack directly.
Crewe were the better side after the break, though. The visitors targeted the Bromley left-hand side, pestering Manchester City loanee Lakyle Samuel.
Alfie Pond left Bromley with work to do, squeezing in between Bromley’s towering centre-backs to head a cross from the left past Grant Smith at close range.
Crewe continued to knock on the door after drawing level. Matus Holicek and Reece Hutchinson both found space unmarked at the far post to register volleyed efforts within a minute of each other.
But Bromley were back ahead thanks to an electric counter. Will Hondermarck carried the ball from inside his own half to the edge of the area before he found substitute Ben Thompson on his right. The midfielder drilled a first-time attempt into the bottom corner with his right foot.
Thompson was impressive from the bench. He was everywhere in a box-to-box midfield role. Two minutes before nudging Bromley ahead, Thompson rifled a long-range attempt just over the bar. His goal was his third shot in as many minutes.
Bromley went close to wrapping up three points when Mitch Pinnock’s deep cross 13 minutes from time was met by a looping header from Kyle Cameron, forcing a vital intervention at full stretch from the backtracking Crewe goalkeeper.
Carl Jenkinson returned from seven months on the sidelines to replace Omar Sowunmi at centre-back ten minutes from time. He made a massive block to deny Crewe a leveller five minutes after his introduction.
Seven minutes of stoppage time, however, prevented Bromley from celebrating a grinding victory after they failed to clear their lines properly as Crewe launched a late barrage.
Lewis Billington launched a cross into the penalty area, and Demetriou crept towards the far post to sneak the leveller past Smith and prevent Bromley from tightening their grip at the top of the table.
"They made it difficult for us, and we made it difficult for ourselves," Woodman added. "We got a little bit nervous towards the end. Couldn't get the ball, sat back, couldn't get enough pressure on the ball. It wasn't very Bromley-like.
"We've got to have a bit of realism. We'd be kidding ourselves if we thought we would win every game at home. There's a lot to be thankful for tonight. We could have lost that game on another night."
Next up for Bromley is a trip to local rivals Gillingham on Saturday.
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