Bromley opened their 2019/20 Vanarama National League campaign with a scoreless draw away to Chorley.

The Ravens were missing Korrey Henry and Marc-Anthony Okoye through respective knocks.

In truth, the defences of both sides came out on top, as they limited each other to very few clear cut chances, with neither goalkeeper being tested significantly.

That said, Mark Cousins’ first action of the game would be to react quickly to advance to the edge of the box and slide in at the feet of Chris Holroyd and make a brave block, as the former Wrexham man was about to break through on goal.

His hands were required soon after, as Elliot Newby weaved in and out of challenges before shooting low from the edge of the box. Cousins was equal to it though, as he got down quickly at the near post to make the save.

The best chance for Bromley fell on 33 minutes, after Jordan Higgs was felled on the edge of the box, presenting a dangerous set piece opportunity for the Ravens. After a nicely worked routine between Frankie Raymond and Billy Bingham, the ball broke to Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, who curled a fine first time effort inches wide of Joe Anyon’s goal.

As half time approached, Higgs showed strength to wriggle through challenges in the box and shoot, only to see his effort blocked. The Ravens were then nearly gifted a goal, as Anyon attempted to throw the ball out to a fellow Chorley man but could only find Michael Cheek. The Bromley man chased onto the ball and played a cross into the box looking for Bingham, but Anyon atoned for his error and intercepted the cross.

In the second half, the game became a more scrappy affair. Bromley employed a tactical change, with George Porter replacing Jordan Higgs.

A half chance fell the Ravens’ way when Bingham cut inside from the right and jinked his way into the box and squared the ball to Porter, but he saw his low shot blocked in the six yard box.

The next opportunity for Bromley to take the lead would come as a result of a short corner. Luke Coulson found Raymond in space, and he delivered a first time cross to the back post, where the waiting Chris Bush connected with his head, but could only find the side netting.

In truth, neither Cousins nor Anyon were troubled after this stage, ensuring the only scoreless draw in the National League on opening day.

Attendance: 1469

Bromley XI: Cousins, Kizzi, Wood, Higgs (Porter), Holland (C), Coulson (Clifton), Raymond, Cheek (Klass), Bingham, Bush, Hackett-Fairchild

Unused substitutes: Mekki, Dunne