MATCH REPORT | BROMLEY

Defeat for the Bees as Barnet loose 2-0 to Bromley at Hayes Lane in the EFL Sky Bet League 2.

Barnet started brightly, dominating possession in the early exchanges.

Ryan Glover delivered a promising cross from the right within the opening minutes, but it narrowly missed its target and drifted out for a goal kick.

Nnamdi Ofoborh tried to carve out space in the box, but Bromley were equally keen to make their mark.

Bromley’s first effort came just before the 10-minute mark, though it flew over the bar.

It was also a debut outing for new Barnet goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, where he calmly claimed a cross from the left, showing composure under pressure.

Barnet maintained a steady build-up through midfield, mixing short passes with long balls forward for Joe Hugill.

The young striker nearly turned provider in the 20th minute, bursting down the right and aiming a pass toward Glover in the centre.

However, Bromley keeper Grant Smith read the danger, collecting the ball at his feet.

In an unusual twist, his clearance deflected off Glover and looped back toward goal, only to land just over the crossbar.

Barnet came close to opening the scoring through Idris Kanu, who cut inside from the left and fired a powerful strike on goal, forcing a fingertip save from Smith to deny him.

Moments later, Ben Thompson found space on the edge of the box, but Nik Tavares executed a perfectly timed sliding challenge to block his shot.

Despite Barnet’s efforts, it was Bromley who found the breakthrough just before the break.

Michael Cheek latched onto a loose ball in the box, smashing it home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Half-Time: Bromley 1-0 Barnet FC

The second half began with Barnet keeper Slicker once again stepping up, making a sharp save to prevent Bromley from extending their lead.

However, shortly later Corey Whitely had a clear run at goal.

As he shaped to shoot inside the box, Tavares came to the rescue once again with a sensational last-ditch tackle.

A repeat from last week for Bromley as the fourth official had to replace the referee around the hour mark.

Barnet began to grow into the game more in the second half, creating opportunities down the flanks and delivering early crosses into the box.

However, Bromley still posed a threat on the counter, with Thompson going one-on-one against Slicker.

The keeper did well to close him down quickly, forcing a rushed shot that went wide.

Dean Brennan’s side had a chance to equalise in the 77th minute, as a long ball from Smith sent Hugill through on goal with time and space, but his shot struck the side netting.

Barnet continued to push forward, winning a late corner to which Anthony Hartigan’s delivery found substitute Ollie Hawkins at the far post, but his header clipped the corner of the woodwork.

Despite the late pressure, it was Bromley who had the final say.

In the closing moments, former Barnet striker Nicke Kabamba broke clear and slotted the ball past Slicker to seal the result.

Full-Time: Bromley 2-0 Barnet FC

Barnet will look to bounce back next Saturday when they return to The Hive Stadium to face Walsall in the EFL Sky Bet League Two.

Line-up: Slicker, Collinge, Kanu (Galvin 72′), Glover, Hartigan, Hugill, Smith, Crichlow (Senior 65′), Tavares (Hawkins 84′), Ofoborh, Adeniran (Brunt 65′)