Bromley 2 Newport County 2

A GARATH McCleary inspired Bromley couldn't quite power to victory over Blue Square South high-flyers Newport County on Saturday.

McCleary, a constant menace in the second half, looked to have given the Lillywhites all three points when he finished from an acute angle.

But after surviving sustained pressure, County drew level 10 minutes from time when substitute Julian Alsop headed home.

Bromley took the lead on 17 minutes through Gareth Williams, who slotted past Glyn Thompson when the ball broke after Sam Wood had been tackled.

Newport's Charlie Griffin headed wide from close range on 22 minutes but made no mistake from the same position two minutes later.

The hosts began the second period very strongly, creating a succession of half chances and eventually the visitors caved in on 70 minutes.

A long ball beat the offside trap and found McCleary who cleverly dinked it past the onrushing keeper Thompson before finding the net.

However, Alsop's header from a Richard Evans cross ensured the points were shared.