For the second season in a row, the Ravens took on Southend United on Boxing Day, this time at Roots Hall.

Bromley were hoping to return to winning ways following a difficult run of results, whilst Southend were aiming to maintain their impressive home form which has seen them remain unbeaten in their last eight in Essex.

It was the Ravens who came out on top though, clinching a 1-0 win!

New signing Besart Topalloj started for the first time since joining the Ravens last week. Kellen Fisher was also thrown in from the off whilst there was a spot on the bench for fellow youngster Ben Krauhaus who later came on for his league debut.

The first real chance of the game came in the early stages after a corner was struck at goal by Callum Reynolds. However, he was denied by the Southend ‘keeper with four minutes on the clock.

Blondy Nna Noukeu, in the home net, was called into action once more as a quick free-kick was looped over to Corey Whitely. The Southend ‘keeper beat the wide-man to it, but spilled the ball before redeeming himself quickly after, sliding in to deny our number 18 causing anymore problems.

Another opportunity to go a goal up fell Bromley’s way as a Jude Arthurs free-kick was met by a diving Adam Marriott who could only head just wide.

After Harry Cardwell headed a cross just over the bar just past the half-hour mark, Tom Smith was called into action. The Southend number 23 was in the thick of it yet again, racing through on goal before going for the lob, with the Ravens’ keeper stretching an arm out to make an important save, keeping the scores level at half-time.

The deadlock was broken early into the second half though as Louis Dennis slotted home from just inside the box to give the Ravens the lead.

However, up the other end and Southend were pushing for an equaliser and almost got it on 76 minutes. Dangerman Cardwell headed against the bar from close range.

Another spill from Nna Noukeu almost gifted Bromley a second when substitute Michael Cheek found the ball at his feet before his strike from close range was blocked by a Southend shirt.

Cardwell, on the turn, saw another effort fail to trouble Smith in the Bromley net late on as Bromley held on to return to winning ways, clinching a much needed three points.

Up next, Southend again. This time at Hayes Lane on New Year’s Day and tickets can be purchased here.