Bromley hosted Notts County on Saturday in a lunchtime kickoff, which was also the final National League fixture at Hayes Lane of the 2020/21 season, in aims of finishing in the final playoff places.

A blistering opening start to the game from both sides saw the hosts almost punish the visitors inside a first minute.

Billy Bingham floated cross into the box found Michael Cheek, but the number nine failed to make any meaningful contact as his header went wide.

Notts County responded seconds later with an excellent move starting from Jim O’Brien’s disguised pass.

Kyle Wootton met O’Brien pass in the penalty box and his smart chip over Mark Cousins crashed onto the crossbar, with a fingertip touch from Cousins ensuring it stayed out. O’Brien followed up on Wooton’s strike to smash wide from five yards.

Bromley continued to attack Ian Burchnall’s rigid back four. Jack Bridge’s explosive run on the 17th minute ended with his shot at goal being blocked and Williamson’s follow up effort deflecting into Slocombe’s arms.

Notts County’s corner kick from Ruben Rodrigues tested Bromley. The Portuguese’s floated cross was met by Connell Rawlinson, whose headed across goal found Adam Chicksen, but failed to guide his header at the back post.

A dominant few minutes from the visitors saw them press the hosts once again. Wootton’s curling effort on the edge of the area just went inches wide of the target.

The second half begun as lively as the first, viewed among the vocal Bromley faithful.

Huge penalty claims from the hosts saw Kizzi brought down in the box, but referee Steve Copeland controversially waved claims away.

The Magpies’ first attack at goal in the second half was from danger man Wootton, his early volley from range was equally met by Cousins.

Substitute Harry Forster provided the attacking spark the hosts desperately needed as his 25-yard strike almost caught Slocombe napping, though he managed to tip it around the post.

Andy Woodman’s key substitution in bringing on Forster saw them break the deadlock in the 65th minute.

A scramble in the six yard box from a resulting corner found Raymond on the edge of the area, his strike crashed onto the crossbar and Williamson instinctively turned the rebound home to open the scoring.

The Magpies could’ve very equalised however on the 72nd minute if not for Cousins’ sensational double save to deny both Calvin Miller and Rodrigues one after the other.

Bromley’s attacking passage of plays continued to break down the visitors since their opening goal.

The crossbar and post all but seemed to deny Bromley from doubling their lead 15 minutes from time. Forster’s cross was met by Alabi’s head, but his effort crashed against the bar.

Alabi was involved yet again three minutes later. The 26-year old’s close range strike at goal was somehow saved by Slocombe, before bouncing against the post.

The hosts held on to collect three points and break The Magpies’ seven game unbeaten streak, with a nervy delay at the end waiting for other National League results to come through.

A historic win for Woodman’s men now sees them competing in next month’s play-off games in hopes of playing in the Football League next season.

Report by Ahmed Ali

Bromley XI:

Cousins, Kizzi, Fox, Bingham, Bush ©, Raymond (Trotter), Cheek, Williamson (Alabi), Arthurs (Forster), Bridge, Mitchell

Unused substitutes: Holland, Campbell