In the first of a difficult final four League Two fixtures, a nightmare start away to MK Dons ultimately postponed a Bromley promotion party.
After just 60 seconds, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing raced through on goal and tucked away the opener for the hosts in his first start since December.
Ben Wiles then hit the post before his effort doubled the Dons’ lead inside 17 minutes, and subsequently left Bromley with a lot of work to do.
The Ravens made four substitutions ahead of the second half, including a formation change from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-2-1.
Yet it would be Jon Mellish’s red card that sparked a sense of hope for Bromley.
Marcus Ifill’s strike halved the deficit and set up a tense final fifteen between first and second place.
Albeit, a controversial penalty shout, which wasn’t given, followed by significant saves from Craig MacGillivray in the latter stages secured a crucial three points for MK Dons in the promotion race.
All excitement about imminent League Two promotion among the 1067 travelling Bromley fans was quickly diminished within the opening 30 minutes, as a disjointed defence allowed the Dons to dominate.
An alarming amount of space was given to both flanks, enabling the hosts to have the freedom to create several opportunities which resulted in a comfortable 2-0 cushion.
Changes at the break were necessary, and Bromley boss Andy Woodman did just that.
A quartet of substitutions, including the return of Ben Thompson, added greater intensity and effort to a previously sluggish Bromley side.
Defensive solidity also improved following a formation alteration that helped control the wide areas, albeit that was helped through the hosts going down to ten men.
However, it was too little too late for Bromley to rescue anything.
Nevertheless, a much stronger second half performance should give Ravens fans confidence in Bromley securing League One status sooner rather than later.
What may still be a cause for concern for the Bromley fanbase is their next opponent in Cambridge United- who are now off the back of thrashing Notts County 4-0 at the Abbey Stadium.
Yet the sending off of the U’s goalkeeper Jake Eastwood in that game, as well as Bromley’s unbeaten home record, will reignite optimism again.
Defeat to MK Dons reduces Bromley’s lead to four points at the top and seven points above fourth, but this is still a healthy advantage that puts matters primarily in the league leaders’ own hands.
Celebrations can begin as soon as Thursday night should Bromley win against Cambridge United in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Yet, if Notts County fail to win any of their remaining three fixtures, then the Ravens could be promoted through this outcome too.
