Wakering's continuing failure to turn good chances into goals again cost them dear at Burroughs Park last night where their disappointing home record continued with preliminary round defeat in the Ryman League's Bryco Cup.

The village side had more than their fair share of the play in an entertaining affair, but it was their Kent visitors, from Division One South, who emerged triumphant.

The only goal of the game came five minutes from time -- ironically soon after Alan Hull's Rovers had been enjoying their best spell -- when Grant Watts sent in effort which home keeper Dave Hudson got his hands to but couldn't prevent the ball entering the net.

Rovers, minus honeymooning skipper Danny Scopes and unavailable Neville Hickton, played a full part in some early end-to-end play and Dan Trenkel fired over after 15 minutes.

At the other end, Hudson, making his return after guesting at club stalwart Ryan Wilkinson's wedding in the Caribbean, tipped over a 25th-minute Richard Thompson effort, but Paul Wheeler launched a couple of good runs for the home side.

Bromley pressured their Division One North hosts early in the second-half, but Hudson was equal to the task -- particularly when palming over a John Hyatt effort.

Gradually, however, Rovers battled back with recent signing from East Thurrock, Keith Wilson, forcing a good save from visiting stopper Danny Harwood after 65 minutes.

Just when it looked as though extra-time was on the cards, Watts lit-up Bromley's night with the winner to earn his side a first round home game with Premier Division Bedford Town.

Published Wednesday October 30, 2002

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