Bromley found themselves victim of a frustrating defeat, as their dominance just could not force a goal.

The day began with supporters, players and officials of both clubs paying their respects to Makayah McDermott with a beautifully observed minute’s silence, alongside the club’s entire Under 11s junior section.

In wet, slippery conditions, it was Town who had the first chance, but Paul Lewis could only head wide. The home side responded well, with the towering Adam Cunnington having a header deflected just over the bar. Tobi Sho-Silva also went close, but after a neat cut back from George Porter, the frontman shot straight at Craig Ross from the edge of the box.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead, strongly against the run of play. Danny Rowe cut in from the flank, and with his left foot, curled a long range shot into the net, via a deflection off Sho-Silva.

As the game became a less entertaining affair, Chris Holroyd shot wide for Macclesfield from a good position, before Dave Martin blasted a free kick just wide as Bromley searched for an equaliser.

Blair Turgott should have levelled things up, but after Macclesfield failed to clear the ball from the box, he volleyed over the bar.

As half time approached, Bromley went even closer, as Sho-Silva hit the crossbar, before Joe Anderson had a low strike acrobatically saved by Ross.

In the opening stages of the second half, it was Bromley substitute Alfie Pavey who was denied a certain goal, after his goalbound effort from close range was blocked by a defender and rolled out for a corner.

The Ravens came even closer when a good ball from George Porter found the advancing Blair Turgott, but after his shot beat the goalkeeper and trickled towards the goal line, it was cleared by a defender. It was to become even more frustrating for the hosts, as a Rob Swaine header from a free kick agonisingly hit the post and bounced out of harm’s way.

Turgott was unlucky minutes later, as his long range effort bounced off the slippery turf and was tipped around the post by Ross, who was turning out to be a saviour for the visitors. George Porter then found himself through on goal but at an awkward angle, but saw his subsequent shot easily saved by Ross.

Town’s first real chance of the second half came with 12 minutes to play, as Jack Sampson seized on a slip by Rob Swaine and had a powerful drive parried by Alan Julian.

It was yet more frustration for Bromley soon after, as the Silkmen failed to clear a corner, but George Porter’s close range blast was blocked, before a goalmouth scramble ensued, yet, no goal.  Town looked to extend their lead minutes before the final whistle, but Rowe was denied twice in quick succession by Julian.

As full time drew near, Bradley Goldberg curled a free kick over the crossbar with the last kick of the game.

Bromley: Julian, Howe, Chorley, Swaine, Martin, G.Porter, Cunnington (Pavey), Anderson ©, Turgott (Goldberg), M.Porter, Sho-Silva

Attendance: 1011