BASINGSTOKE Town boss Jason Bristow felt his side proved they can compete with the best in the Conference South after they lost out in a thriller at second-place Bromley 3-2.

Bromley, who had scored 14 goals in their first four home games, maintained their 100 per cent record in Kent and added three more points to their tally.

Bristow said: “We have played Ebbsfleet last week and we have been unlucky to end up with a draw and then this week three pieces of quality football has been our undoing.

“They have scored with two shots from outside the box and then another from a great whipped-in cross.

He added: “We have had some good spells in the game, and I think it proves we can match the top teams and gives me a lot of confidence going forward for this
side.

“It was disappointing to come away on the wrong side of the scoreline.”

Town had two new faces in their line-up for the Bromley game in Jamie Young and Matt Partridge.

Young, a former Wycombe and Aldershot goalkeeper, came in for the one game for the unavailable Louis Wells.

Partridge arrived on a month’s loan from Reading at the end of last week and can play in defence or midfield. He is a former Royals under-18 captain.

He capped his debut with a goal and is eligible to play for Town in Saturday’s home FA Cup tie against Weston-super-Mare.

Bristow said: “It seems strange to say, but Jamie had very little to do and had no chance with any of the goals.

“Matt played in midfield, as I went for a 4-3-1-2 formation, and looked very comfortable – and scoring will have done him no harm.”

Town came through the game without any new injuries and goalkeeper Wells will be back for their next game. Bristow also hopes Manny Williams, who missed the trip to Kent due to illness, will also be back for the FA Cup tie.