Bromley continued their excellent unbeaten start to this year with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Walton & Hersham in their Ryman League Division One game at Hayes Lane on Saturday.

It was Bromley's third win in four games the other was a splendid 1-1 draw at second-placed Ford United and Saturday's victory has pulled them four poinst ahead of the third-bottom club Whyteleafe.

Bromley, who won 4-2 at Walton & Hersham in early December, made a great start when they went ahead after just eight minutes when Carl Bartley volleyed the ball beyond Luke Gerrard from about 12 yards.

Walton, however, enjoyed plenty of possession during the first half but only managed to seriously threaten the Bromley goal on one occasion.

That was in the 35th minute when Scott Edgar curled in a fine 25-yard shot which had Danny Harwood in the home goal wrong-footed, but the ball flew inches over the crossbar.

Harwood, though, did get a touch on the ball in the opening minute of the second half when he brilliantly tipped over Ross Pritchard's fiercely-hit drive.

But Bromley immediatelty went back on the offensive and they doubled their lead two minutes later.

Gary Drewett's long clearance was headed on by Bartley and the ball dropped invitingly into the path of Gavin McGowan, and the former Arsenal and Luton player coolly rounded Gerrard before slotting the ball into an unguarded net.

Despite the deficit, Walton still remained dangerous in attack and two minutes later Harwood had to produce another fine save to thwart Bas Savage.

Walton continued to press forward and they deservedly pulled a goal back after 75 minutes, when Gary Blackman stabbed the ball beyond Harwood from close range following a scramble in the goalmouth.

Bromley then should have avoided the need for a nervy last few minutes.

First, Kirk Watts skied the ball over the crossbar when well positioned and then the same player saw his effort hit the woodwork.

Last night, as we went to press, Bromley were playing their rearranged match against Yeading ahead of this Saturday's trip to mid-table Thame United.