Newport County were left frustrated at Rodney Parade as a late goal saw Bromley take all three points, despite a dominant display from the Exiles.
County produced one of their most controlled and energetic performances of the season, but were ultimately punished for not converting their chances, as Corey Whitely’s strike three minutes from time secured victory for the visitors.
The Exiles had looked the more likely side for much of the contest, with Ben Lloyd at the heart of much of the attacking play, while Harrison Biggins, Bobby Kamwa, Matt Baker and James Crole all came close in a competitive encounter.
The result sees County slip to 22nd in the League Two table, sitting just one point above the relegation zone, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Walsall.
Injuries and a reshuffle saw County make three changes from the side that secured victory at Barnet 72 hours earlier. Joe Thomas came into a back four alongside Lee Jenkins, Matt Baker and Tom Davies, while Cameron Evans and Sven Sprangler added energy in midfield. Ben Lloyd supported a forward line of Nathan Opoku and Bobby Kamwa.
County made a bright start and nearly took the lead inside the opening minutes. A clever flick from Kamwa released Lloyd, who advanced and fed Biggins, but his effort from distance flew narrowly wide.
Lloyd continued to cause problems for the Bromley defence, seeing multiple efforts blocked as County maintained early pressure. From a Biggins corner, Baker came close at the far post as the hosts looked to make their dominance count.
Bromley remained a threat from set pieces, and Jordan Wright was called into action to produce a strong save from Nicke Kabamba’s header, before Will Hondermarck fired over.
Despite controlling possession and territory, County were unable to find the breakthrough before the break.
The Exiles continued on the front foot after half-time and came closest to opening the scoring in the 63rd minute. Kamwa’s cut-back found Lloyd, whose left-footed strike struck the outside of the post.
County continued to push, with substitute James Crole introduced to add fresh impetus in attack. The visitors, however, began to grow into the game as it entered the final stages.
Crole nearly made an immediate impact, but his effort was well saved by Grant Smith after being played through by Lloyd.
With the game finely poised, County were dealt a late blow. Whitely found space on the edge of the area and his strike found the bottom corner to give Bromley the lead in the 88th minute.
The Exiles pushed forward in search of an equaliser and were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty late on, as Lloyd’s effort appeared to strike a defender’s arm, but appeals were waved away.
Despite a spirited performance, County were left without reward and will now look to respond when they travel to Walsall this weekend.
Newport County [ 4-2-3-1]
Jordan Wright
Joe Thomas
Lee Jenkins
Matt Baker [C]
Tom Davies
Sven Sprangler
Cameron Evans
Harrison Biggins
Ben Lloyd
Nathan Opoku
Bobby Kamwa
Subs
Shaun MacDonald [GK]
Tanatswa Nyakuhwa for Evans 89 mins
Matt Smith for Jenkins 37 mins
Courtney Baker-Richardson for Smith 89 mins
James Crole for Opoku 69 mins
Liam Shephard
Ged Garner
Bromley [4-1-4-1]
Grant Smith
Marcus Ifill
Omar Sowunmi [C]
Jesse Debrah
Idris Odutayo
Jude Arthurs [C]
Damola Ajayi
Ben Krauhaus
Will Hondermarck
Mitch Pinnock
Nicke Kabamba
Subs
Sam Long
Zech Medley
Ashley Charles for Arthurs 70 mins
Marcus Dinanga for Krauhaus 56 mins
Corey Whitely for Ajayi 56 mins
Brooklyn Ilunga for Ifill 78 mins
George Evans
Referee: Paul Howard
Assistants: Ashley Allen & Harley Hetherington
Fourth Official: Steve Plane
Attendance 3,530 [162]