STOCKPORT COUNTY 1, BROMLEY 0
Debutant Scott Hogan was Stockport County’s matchwinner as they posted a first win in 2020.
Hogan, the last of three recent signings from Salford City, scored the decisive goal early in the second half.
It was goalkeeper Ben Hinchcliffe, however, who was named man of the match as his heroics helped County to a first victory in 10 games against visiting Bromley.
County went into the game without a win in nine games as they had seen their promotion bid falter badly since their last win at AFC Fylde on December 28.
It was a similar story for the Kent side which last won on New Year’s Day, since which they have picked up only one point out of as possible 15, though at kick off they remained in the last play-off place.
With the arrival of Storm Dennis imminent, conditions were far from perfect at Edgeley Park which was one of only three National League games to beat the weather.
It was blustery with intermittent rain which clearly had some effect on play which was scrappy and fragmented in an opening period which was a non-event with neither goalkeeper stretched.
County had marginally the better of the play but offered little threat in the last third of the pitch. And it was the same for Bromley who also lacked a cutting edge.
Thankfully the second half produced chances with County taking the lead in the 54th minute through Hogan.
Sam Walker’s corner was flicked across the face of goal by Adam Thomas and Hogan bundled the ball home from a couple of yards.
Bromley immediately brought on Billy Bingham and he instantly almost conjured an equaliser as his shot from 25 yards was brilliantly turned over by goalkeeper Ben Hinchcliffe.
Bingham was denied for a second time by Hinchcliffe who miraculously tipped his drive from distance round the post for a corner.
County ought to have sealed victory in the 77th minute with a three versus three bresk.
Substitute Connor Dimaio released Danny Lloyd who was well saved by goalkeeper Mark Cousins.
It looked as though it could be a costly miss as County found themselves under the cosh in the latter stages.
Substitute Adrian Clifton twice and Luke Coulson forced further important saves from Hinchcliffe.
Then in the third of four added minutes, Coulson cut in from the left and saw his drive flash just wide of the upright.