Steve Aris reveals frustration after Tranmere hit back to take a point in thriller

Steve Aris expressed his frustration as Bromley had to settle for a share of the spoils after the 3-3 thriller against Tranmere.

The Ravens raced into a 3-1 lead early in the second half of the Sky Bet League Two clash but Tranmere were able to peg their 10-man opponents back with goals from Omari Patrick and Cameron Norman.

The hosts had boss Andy Woodman dismissed for protesting about Tranmere’s first goal and their problems were further compounded when Byron Webster got a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Ravens assistant manager Aris said: “Conditions really didn’t help the game today but I thought we looked a threat every time we put the ball into the box.

“It’s disappointing not to come away with all three points but I think when you are down to 10 men more often than not you take that.”

He explained: “The (Webster) sending off looked harsh, we were questioning a lot of the decisions today, but we have to accept it.

“That aside, our set-piece delivery was brilliant, we asked a lot of questions of Tranmere and even with 10 men we looked most like the side that was going to nick it.

“We still have work to do defensively but the conditions were a big factor.”

Bromley drew first blood in a game heavily dominated by the blustery conditions, with Kyle Cameron’s heading home a Mitchell Pinnock corner for his first goal in Bromley colours.

Tranmere equalised through Nathan Smith’s overhead kick but it was a controversial goal. A disputed throw-in saw the ball recycled to Norman and his cross was expertly met by Smith, although Woodman was sent off in the aftermath for his vociferous protestations.

Bromley retook the lead eight minutes before the interval when Nicke Kabamba headed home and Michael Cheek made it 3-1 with a 49th-minute penalty.

Omari Patrick reduced the arrears moments later before Norman levelled on the hour, poking home after substitute Connor Jennings had headed a corner against the bar.

Webster was then dismissed, adjudged to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity but – despite the man disadvantage – Omar Sowunmi and Kyle Cameron had headers cleared off the line as Bromley pressed for a late winner.

Tranmere manager Andy Crosby said: “The spirit was excellent today in very difficult conditions, to come back from 3-1 showed great character.

“I’ve been involved in the game a long time but I saw things happening on the pitch that were baffling decisions. That penalty decision will be played worldwide, I cannot understand how that was given.”

He added, “Decisions aside we scored some good goals today and we showed composure when we needed to in the final third.

“Even with 10 men Bromley showed why they are a good team and Joe Murphy made some good saves to keep us in it.

“It would have been easy at 3-1 to put our heads down but we showed great spirit to get back in it.”