Will Hondermarck’s brace saw Bromley defeat Grimsby 2-0 at the Copperjax Stadium to climb to third in League Two.
Hondermarck fired Andy Woodman’s Ravens in front with a 12th-minute volley of Deji Elerewe’s knockdown header, after the defender rose highest to meet Mitch Pinnock’s cross.
The 25-year-old midfielder then completed his first professional brace with a close-range 55th-minute finish after he met Marcus Ifill’s low cross into the box.
Bromley now sit third in League Two and one point off the lead after leaders, Walsall were held to a goalless draw at Notts County, whilst Swindon subsequently moved up to second following the mid-afternoon kick-offs which demoted the Ravens to third.
Grimsby remained 14th in the table.
Unbeaten in their last 13 league matches at home since a 3-2 defeat against Salford City in March 2025, Bromley weathered a see-saw opening ten minutes as Grant Smith saved Jaze Kabia’s header before George McEachran fired wide from a 10th-minute free-kick.
Grimsby soon were made to pay for their two wasted chances as Jamie Walker fouled Ashley Charles in the 11th minute, and Bromley were ahead barely a minute later after a deep free-kick found Pinnock to whip in a cross, which Elerewe nodded down for Hondermarck to volley in to put the Ravens in front.
That goal proved to be Bromley’s only shot on target in the first 42 minutes as Grimsby cranked up their intensity, during which Harvey Rodgers and Charles Vernam wasted shots, which was atypical of the Mariners’ wasteful form in their seven-match winless run prior to kick-off.
Kabia meanwhile was played forward in the 32nd minute but lacked the composure unleash his shot in time, as Bromley’s Kyle Cameron made a well-timed foul to clear the ball before he slid into the forward.
Bromley eventually finished the first half on top with their slender lead as Pinnock forced a 43rd-minute save from Grimsby’s emergency loan goalkeeper, Jackson Smith, in only their second shot of the half.
Much like the first half, Grimsby started the second half on the front foot but Kieran Green forced a 50th-minute save from Smith.
Bromley soon settled as Corey Whitely fired wide in the 53rd minute before the Ravens doubled their lead two minutes later, after Ifill broke forward up the right with a low cross which found Hondermarck to slot in past Smith.
Grimsby almost conceded a third goal in the 68th minute after Whitley struck a low shot towards his near right corner, which Smith fumbled over the line before clawing it back onto the line, just in time for referee – James Durkin to bizarrely rule that the goal hadn’t crossed the line.
This incident however wasn’t Durkin’s first dirty antic at the Copperjax Stadium this season after he awarded Gillingham a controversial penalty rather than booking for simulation, which allowed the Gills to snatch a 2-2 draw in injury-time.
Grimsby rallied following their lucky escape as Kabia nodded wide from Walker’s 73rd-minute cross, whilst their defence again rode their luck as Hondermarck rifled over the bar from 25 yards.
Hondermarck saw a further chance to net a hat-trick denied in the 83rd minute as his low shot was saved, moments after substitute, Nicke Kabamba headed wide.
Bromley eventually saw out the result to extend their unbeaten home run to 14 matches, whilst they were guaranteed to spend Xmas in the automatic promotion placings.
What’s Next?
Bromley head to Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day at 3pm GMT before their 2025 concludes with a trip to Crawley on Monday 29 December (7:45pm).
Grimsby wrap up their year with home games against Oldham and Shrewsbury on the exact same dates and times mentioned above.
Teams
Bromley: Grant Smith, Marcus Ifill, Deji Elerewe, Kyle Cameron, Idris Odutayo, Ashley Charles, Corey Whitely (Thompson 80′), Ben Krauhaus, Will Hondermarck (Arthurs 85′), Mitch Pinnock (Ilunga 76′), Michael Cheek (Kabamba 76′)
Substitutes: Jude Arthurs, Brooklyn Ilunga, Nicke Kabamba, Sam Long, Lakyle Samuel, Ben Thompson, Byron Webster
Grimsby: Jackson Smith, Harvey Rodgers, Doug Tharme, Samuel Lavelle (Rose 62′), Cameron McJannet, George McEachran, Justin Amaluzor (Burns 80′), Kieran Green, Jamie Walker (Khouri 81′), Charles Vernam (Oduor 80′), Jaze Kabia (Soonsup-Bell 75′)
Substitutes: Charlie Casper, Evan Khouri, Darragh Burns, Clarke Oduor, Danny Rose, Jude Soonsup-Bell, Tyrell Warren
Referee – James Durkin