Southend United 0
Bromley 1
Bromley made it four games unbeaten in the Vanarama National League as an early second half strike from Louis Dennis sealed a first Boxing Day win since 2016 for the Ravens and a first ever win over Southend United.
Kevin Maher’s men didn’t look like a side unbeaten at home since September in what was a poor showing from the Shrimpers who fell to their first Boxing Day defeat since 2009.
The first half was a quiet one at Roots Hall with Bromley’s Adam Marriott and Callum Reynolds both forcing Southend’s Blondy Nna Noukeu into early saves before the hosts could muster up a noteworthy opportunity in the 41st minute. With four minutes left of the opening period Cavaghn Miley played the ball over the top for Harry Cardwell. However, the striker was denied when through on goal by Tom Smith.
Andy Woodman’s outfit were marginally the better side in the first half and it took them just six minutes of the second period to break the deadlock. Southend failed to clear a corner and Bromley stabbed the ball back into the danger zone where Dennis was on hand to turn and shoot, converting a composed finish across Nna Noukeu that nestled into the bottom corner. This goal was Dennis’ third of the season for the Ravens in what was a standout performance from the former Portsmouth midfielder.
The rest of the half proved to be one way traffic in Southend’s favour however the Blues could only create one clear cut opportunity. With 13 minutes left on the clock former Bromley man Jack Bridge scampered away from Harry Forster and whipped in a cross to the back post that was met by Cardwell, but the Scotsman’s powerful header came crashing back off the offside to the relief of the 147 travelling supporters – ensuring the Ravens would keep an eighth clean sheet of the campaign.
Defeat for the Shrimpers means Southend are now winless in four league games however Kevin Maher’s men remain inside the playoffs by a point.
A second win in twelve matches for Bromley sees them move up three places in the table to 8th just a point behind Southend.
ATT: 6,660 (147 away)
Southend United: Nna Noukou, Ralph, Hobson, Kensdale, Bridge, Husin, Miley, Fonguck (Murphy 82’), Wreh (Powell 55’), Lopata, Cardwell
Goals: N/A
Yellow Cards: Hobson 23’, Cardwell 64’, Murphy 90+2’
Bromley: Smith, Reynolds, Coleman, Marriott (Cheek 75’), Dennis (Krauhaus 90’), Webster, Whitely, Forster, Arthurs, Topalloj, Fisher
Goals: Dennis 51’
Yellow Cards: Fisher 57’, Coleman 72’
By Nathan Williams
Very disappointing Southend were on the back foot for most of the match
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