Newport County and Cameron Antwi were left frustrated at Hayes Lane as a late rally was not enough to overturn a controversial defeat against league leaders Bromley.
Despite a spirited performance, County were undone by a first-half own goal from Courtney Baker-Richardson and a late strike from substitute Nicke Kabamba, with Nathan Opoku’s late finish providing only a brief glimmer of hope.
Head coach Christian Fuchs named a reshaped side following the win over Crewe Alexandra, with Cameron Evans deployed at wing-back, Ciaran Brennan added in midfield and Cameron Antwi also included in a strengthened central unit.
Bromley, arriving on the back of five consecutive league victories, made one change to their defence and started brightly in front of a strong home crowd.
Jordan Wright was called into early action, dealing with set-piece pressure as Omar Sowunmi and Jude Arthurs threatened from corners, while Bromley’s aerial dominance from dead-ball situations continued to cause problems.
Newport County, however, settled into the contest and began to show attacking intent of their own. Bobby Kamwa’s close control created openings, while Michael Spellman and Cameron Antwi helped the visitors progress through midfield.
Michael Spellman came closest in open play, bursting through on goal only to be denied by Bromley goalkeeper Grant Smith after a sharp attacking move involving Kamwa and Brennan.
As half-time approached, Bromley increased pressure from set pieces and eventually broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. After Jordan Wright saved an initial effort, the ball ricocheted in off Baker-Richardson under pressure, handing the hosts a fortunate lead.
Newport County introduced Nathaniel Opoku at the break, and the striker came close to levelling shortly after the restart but could not convert a clear opportunity.
The visitors continued to grow into the game, controlling spells in midfield through Brennan and Antwi, while Lee Jenkins and James Clarke provided leadership at the back against Bromley’s direct approach.
However, Bromley struck again on 75 minutes. Substitute Nicke Kabamba finished at the far post after good work down the right to extend the league leaders’ advantage.
Despite the setback, Newport County continued to play with intent and were rewarded late on. In the 87th minute, Kai Whitmore delivered a deep cross which was nodded back across goal by Lee Jenkins for Opoku to finish from close range and set up a tense finale.
Further pressure followed, but Bromley held firm to secure the points.
Bromley
Grant Smith; Marcus Ifill, Omar Sowunmi, Kyle Cameron, Idris Odutayo; Ashley Charles; Cory Whitely (Ben Thompson 67), Ben Krauhaus (Brooklyn Ilunga 67), Jude Arthurs (Will Hondermarck 67), Mitch Pinnock; Michael Cheek (Nicke Kabamba 46)
Substitutes (unused): Sam Long, Deji Elerewe, Lakyle Samuel
Newport County
Jordan Wright; Lee Jenkins, James Clarke (captain), Matt Baker; Cameron Evans, Anthony Glennon, Ciaran Brennan, Michael Spellman, Cameron Antwi (Ben Lloyd 75), Bobby Kamwa; Courtney Baker-Richardson (Nathaniel Opoku 46)
Substitutes (unused): Nik Tzanev, Liam Shephard, Moses Alexander-Walker, Jaden Warner
Match officials
Referee | Kirsty Dowie
Assistants | Peter Lowe, Alex Mathieson
Fourth official | Don Blades
Attendance
Not declared