Bromley 2 Gillingham 1: League 2 match report from Hayes Lane

Gillingham lost at Bromley on Wednesday night to a goal from one of their former youth players.

The first half at Hayes Lane was goalless but the teams traded quickfire goals in the second half when Robbie McKenzie quickly cancelled out Cameron Congreve’s 54th-minute opener. Jude Arthurs restored Bromley’s lead with a fine finish that clinched all three points for the home side.

Reaction: “We’re bang average – at best!”

Gillingham manager Mark Bonner made three changes to his starting line-up as Jayden Clarke replaced Max Clark at left wing-back, McKenzie took over from Euan Williams in midfield and Tim Dieng dropped out as Jack Nolan took up a central role in behind the strikers.

With an extended break behind them, the Gills were expected to be fresh to face a Bromley side who had struggled for wins in League 2 since their elevation to the EFL. They were buzzing, however, after an away draw against Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round.

Wednesday night’s game was a first meeting between the teams in the Football League and meant a short journey into Greater London for Gillingham. Bromley was part of Kent the last time they met in a league fixture - a Southern League, Division 2 meeting in 1895 when the Gills were them known as New Brompton.

Gillingham had been booed off in their previous game, a 2-1 home loss to Harrogate, but a local game at a new venue for many meant this match was a popular pick for visiting fans who sold out their away allocation - with many others sneaking into home areas.

Bromley started the match brightly with Michael Cheek testing Jake Turner early on and Danny Imray firing over.

Gillingham grew into it and Clarke looked keen to take on his man when he had the chance while Nolan was also