Gillingham lost at Bromley on Wednesday night to a goal from one of their former youth players.

The first half at Hayes Lane was goalless but the teams traded quickfire goals in the second half when Robbie McKenzie quickly cancelled out Cameron Congreve’s 54th-minute opener. Jude Arthurs restored Bromley’s lead with a fine finish that clinched all three points for the home side.

Reaction: “We’re bang average – at best!”

Gillingham manager Mark Bonner made three changes to his starting line-up as Jayden Clarke replaced Max Clark at left wing-back, McKenzie took over from Euan Williams in midfield and Tim Dieng dropped out as Jack Nolan took up a central role in behind the strikers.

With an extended break behind them, the Gills were expected to be fresh to face a Bromley side who had struggled for wins in League 2 since their elevation to the EFL. They were buzzing, however, after an away draw against Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round.

Wednesday night’s game was a first meeting between the teams in the Football League and meant a short journey into Greater London for Gillingham. Bromley was part of Kent the last time they met in a league fixture - a Southern League, Division 2 meeting in 1895 when the Gills were them known as New Brompton.

Gillingham had been booed off in their previous game, a 2-1 home loss to Harrogate, but a local game at a new venue for many meant this match was a popular pick for visiting fans who sold out their away allocation - with many others sneaking into home areas.

Bromley started the match brightly with Michael Cheek testing Jake Turner early on and Danny Imray firing over.

Gillingham grew into it and Clarke looked keen to take on his man when he had the chance while Nolan was also lively. The pair were central to most of the away side’s attacking play.

It was Elliott Nevitt who had the best chance for the Gills in the opening half, in on goal with just the keeper to beat, but he delayed and that gave defender Omar Showunmi chance to get back and make a clearance.

Arthurs also made a timely challenge after McKenzie had ran into the box.

Cameron Congreve was a major threat going forward for Bromley, with quick feet to cause the Gills a few problems.

Just before the break, Turner made a brave block with his face to keep our a thunderous effort from Carl Jenkinson. The Gills keeper received lengthy treatment and played the last few minutes of the half but was replaced at the interval by Glenn Morris.

Home keeper Grant Smith was the first of the keepers called into action in the second half, saving well from Clarke’s acrobatic attempt with just one hand to hook the ball wide after Nolan had swung in a cross.

The deadlock was broken nine minutes into the second half as Bromley attacked down the right after Gills conceded possession, the ball founds its way across to the impressive Congreve and he slotted home past Morris.

Gillingham’s response was immediate. Just a minute later and the visitors levelled the game. Nevitt played the ball into McKenzie’s path and from the edge of the box the midfielder picked out the bottom corner.

Bromley restored their advantage with 20 minutes left through Arthurs. He finished on the volley after Max Ehmer’s block from Kamarl Grant fell kindly for the home midfielder.

Arthurs had never played a senior game for Gillingham and enjoyed his big moment against his former club in front of a sell-out crowd.

There was seven minutes added on at the end of the 90 but the Gills couldn’t find a way back into the game, with Jacob Wakeling heading a late effort wide. It’s now seven defeats from nine for Bonner’s men.

League 2 table