Wealdstone tasted defeat for the first time this pre-season after being edged out 2-1 by National League side Bromley at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday.

The match, which saw the Stones contest the Brian Collins Challenge Trophy, was also designated as a special family day with Bobby Wilkinson’s side playing their penultimate pre-season friendly before Saturday’s league opener with Weston-super-Mare.

A late Bradley Bubb goal was unable to salvage something from the game with Jack Holland and George Porter strikes proving sufficient for the visitors to return to south-east London with victory.

Having made light work of Staines Town in mid-week, the Stones line-up returned to virtual full strength as they faced National League opposition for the third time following on from matches against Maidenhead United and Aldershot Town.

The first half saw Bromley carve out the more notable opportunities with Jonathan North having to be alert to deal with the lively Omar Bugiel, before a golden chance for Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe was thwarted by an inspired clearance from a combination of Connor Stevens and Jerome Okimo that prevented a certain opener.

There would be no denying the Ravens early in the second half, however, as a slack bit of defensive play allowed Holland to ghost in unmarked and he capitalised to head in Bromley’s first goal.

Wealdstone’s response was encouraging and only two blocks from former Premier League defender Roger Johnson kept his side ahead.

The 35-year-old centre-half showed his experience as he threw himself in front of Joe White’s effort, following good work by Wadah Ahmidi, and then was agile enough to deny Bradley Hudson-Odoi.

Unfortunately for the hosts, Bromley’s killer second arrived with just under 20 minutes remaining courtesy of Porter who latched onto Jordan Higgs’ cross to score with a first-time finish.

Far from throwing the towel in though, the Stones rallied and reduced the arrears with what proved to be a mere consolation strike when Bubb connected with a Jeffrey Monakana cross, which had been helped on by James Clark, to make it 2-1.

Wealdstone play their final warm-up match ahead of Saturday’s home National League South opener when they entertain Cardiff City Under-23s at Grosvenor Vale tomorrow.

The Bluebirds are expected to field a side predominantly consisting of development players alongside a few first teamers ahead of a 7.30pm kick-off.

Ticket prices are £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for Under-18s.

Wealdstone: North, Tyler (Sheppard 76), Grant, Stevens (Mambo 66), Okimo (Wilson 76), Poku (Lench 68), White (Clark 76), Ahmidi, Pratt (Bubb 62), Green (Monakana 62), Hudson-Odoi (Harris 62).