Notts County 2-2 Bromley (National League) 15.05.21

A dominant start by the Magpies saw an early chance in the first minute as Jim O’Brien, fresh from his midweek hat-trick, again tried his luck on confidence, curling straight at the goalkeeper after good work by Calvin Miller down the left.

At the other end, Jude Arthurs wasted an opportunity on 14 after Jack Bridge’s low delivery deflected to the former Lewes midfielder who could only shoot wide when he perhaps should have done better.

Notts continued to press for an opener themselves with Miller causing Bromley all sorts of problems, the on-loan winger recently released by Harrogate may look to impress Head Coach Ian Burchnall to ensure he stays at the Lane next season, he shot over after cutting in on 24 before Chicksen’s inviting cross was deflected with Kelly-Evans unable to finish just a minute later.

The home teams missed opportunities soon proved costly too, Mark Ellis, so good at the other end since his loan move from Tranmere, turning into his own net on 27 after Cheek nodded across goal to put the visitors one up.

It could have been worse before half time too, Slocombe down to his left on 35 as Mitchell prodded goalwards a miss-hit shot, Notts straight up the other end could have levelled, O’Brien heading inches wide from Wootton’s cross.

A tactical change by Burchnall was made at the break as Boldewijn came on for Kelly-Evans and that gave Notts even more attacking dimension, on 52 Cousins saved from Reeves who went one-on-one before the equaliser came on 52, Miller & Rodrigues combining before the latter crossed to Wootton who turned home another for his more than respectable collection.

Ten minutes later it was two for County and that man again, Ruben Rodrigues on hand to guide home a rebound from close range after Enzio crossed to Miller who’s header was well saved, the Portuguese man on fire of late, with his sixth goal in five games, a phenomenal return in recent weeks.

To another man on fire, Jim O’Brien who could have made it three, a fiercely struck shot with venom hitting a post from 25 yards, it wasn’t to be his day in front of goal. That Meadow Lane woodwork still shaking was once again struck on 70 when a Rodrigues free kick hit the bar, Notts starting to have fun with their tiring but plucky opponents.

That fun however turned to disappointment when the Londoners levelled, surprisingly, Notts caught off guard, Campbell with a header, a superb cross by Kizzi and turned home by the substitute.

Late on Notts pushed for a winner and put Bromley under huge pressure with Sam shooting, brilliantly blocked as Doyle’s low cross was cleared and a big penalty shout went un-granted by the officials, in the end the Magpies settling for a point which keeps them in the playoff race and unbeaten in five games.

Notts County: Slocombe, Miller, Chicksen, Ellis, Brindley, Kelly-Evans (Boldewijn 46), Doyle, Reeves, O’Brien (Sam 81), Rodrigues, Wootton.

Bromley: Cousins, Kizzi, Mitchell, Bush, Fox, Trotter, Bingham, Arthurs (Campbell 56), Bridge (Forster 68), Williamson (Alabi 63), Cheek.

Venue: Meadow Lane

*Main image @Official_NCFC action from Meadow Lane as Tate Campbell scores Bromley’s leveller.