In Karl Robinson’s first game in charge of the club, Bromley exited the FA Cup as they lost 2-0 at home to League Two Rotherham Utd in front of a sparsely populated Hayes Lane.
Bromley were set to line up with only one player from last season’s squad in the starting eleven, but Victor Adeboyejo was injured in the warmup, and Michael Cheek came in.
The Ravens started the game looking positive, Richard Taylor headed over and Cheek had a header and a shot saved by Ted Cann.
The Millers first chance came when Josh Austerfield crossed for Tom Bradshaw who had his header saved by Shamal Geroge. After a delay for an injury to the linesman, Bromley had lots of possession but struggled to create many chances as Rotherham sat back.
Geroge Sebine missed a good chance to head an opener for The Millers, before Bromley had a half chance when a clearance hit George Saville in the face, but as the ball headed towards goal with Cann just pushing it over, the Referee blew for a dead ball with the midfielder nursing a head injury.
Saville headed over from a corner, before Rotherham took the lead in first half injury time. Austerfield crossing from the left for Sonny Aljofree to head home unmarked in the six-yard box.
The second half saw Rotherham start well, Bradshaw having a shot saved by Geroge at his near post and then the striker hot the foot of the post with a powerful low drive. Th Miller went 2-0 up on 56 minutes when Bradshaw danced through a static home defence and stroked the ball home to stun the Bromley fans in attendance.
Robinson the made four changes and they did have a brief spell of pressure, Ethan Archer hit the bar and Kamil Conteh drove over, before the momentum fizzled out around 70 minutes.
Bradshaw hit the post again after good work by Klanti Lolos and Geroge saved from Aaron Nemane from the rebound. Lolos then drove wide after the ball was given away and Austerfield forced a good save from George as the visitors comfortably saw the game out.
Bromley, who still haven’t beaten an EFL side in the FA Cup, now prepare for their EFL Trophy game at home to MK Dons on Tuesday night ahead of an international break that will give Robinson time to assess what a massive job he has taken on to overhaul this beleaguered squad.
Bromley: George, Ifill, Grant, Taylor (Headman 58), Mendy (Cowin 58), Jones (Kabamba 81), Saville, McKiernan (Pinnock 58), Conteh, Miller (Archer 58), Cheek. Subs Not Used: Hondermarck, Mason, Smith, Whitely.
Rotherham: Cann, Williams, Ngengwa, Aljofree, Hall, Austerfield, Fitzgerald, Cover, Nemane, Sebinb (Lolos 76), Bradshaw (Gardner 87). Subs Not Used: Adeboyega, Agbaire, Douglas, Eyestone, Richardson.
Goals: Aljofree 45+1, Bradshaw 56mins
HT 0-1 FT 0-2
Att: 2,044
Referee: Sam Mulhall
