Frozen pitch dictates postponement - new date in ten days time Braintree Town's Blue Square Bet Premier Division fixture at Lincoln City was postponed this morning because of a frozen pitch. A new date has now been agreed for Tuesday, 14th February, with kick-off at 7.45pm. NEWPORT TRIP - NEW DATE Trip to South Wales - re-arranged for early March Braintree Town's Blue Square Bet Premier Division fixture at Newport County has been re-scheduled. Originally set for Saturday, 4th February, the game was postponed because of Newport County's continued interest in this season's FA Trophy competition. A new date has now been agreed for Tuesday, 6th March, with kick-off at 7.45pm. IRON RETAIN COMPOSURE TO WIN Wonder save from McDonald - sets up Thomas winner It took a late goal for the Iron to overcome Barrow at the Amlin Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a game in which the visitors ended with only nine players after having played 87 minutes with just ten. The winning goal came on 78 minutes from a left wing free-kick by Jai Reason floated to the far post and, with the visitors' defence static believing the ball had gone out, home defender Dean Wells headed the ball back into the penalty area from where Aswad Thomas drove the ball low into the net at the near post. By then the visitors had lost both their shape and discipline and three minutes into the five minutes of added time Barrow substitute Joe Jackson was shown a straight red by referee Robert Merchant for a blatant off the ball foul on Wells. The match had started badly for the visitors when, after just three minutes, striker Andy Cook was sent off for a blatant elbow on Wells, spotted by the assistant referee. Initially after the two officials spoke the referee showed a red card to Adam Boyles but then re-conferred and sent off Cook. The real turning point of the game was on 70 minutes when Barrow's Danny Hone headed a right wing cross which look goal bound but home keeper Nathan McDonald pulled off a fantastic save. The first half had seen the home side struggle to recapture their flowing style of football with passes going astray and sloppy play at the back allowed Boyes to take advantage on 32 and 34 minutes but the chances went wide of the target. The Iron did their act together more in the second half and Chib Chilaka had two early opportunities to put his side ahead but wasted them. On 66 minutes Sean Marks, without the suspended Ben Wright alongside him, almost broke the deadlock after tremendous work by Thomas who pulled the ball back from the byline but the striker fired just wide. Both Kenny Davis and new Iron signing, Brendan Kiernan - on a month's loan from AFC Wimbledon - all went close. Then came the controversial goal and the Iron looked to have scored a perfectly good second goal on 84 minutes when Quinton fired a free-kick which came back off the woodwork and Marks fired home the rebound only to surprisingly being give offside. Right on time Quinton again hit the woodwork and the ball was scrambled away by which time the visitors had lost both their shape and discipline with Jackson being red carded in the five minutes of added on injury time to complete a disappointing day for the visitors. Iron manager Alan Devonshire said: "It wasn't the prettiest game but we won 1-0 and that's enough for three points which was what we wanted on the day. I told the players to be patient, get the ball wide and then get our crosses in and not play down the middle where they were strong. I made the double substitution to give us a bit more stability and that's what Brad did coming into midfield and I knew our patience would pay off." Braintree Town: McDonald, Thomas, Bailey-Dennis, Paine, Symons (Quinton 58), Davis, Kiernan, Chilaka (Yiadom 58), Marks, Wells. Unused subs: O'Connor, Pooley, Jones. Barrow: Pearson, Skelton, Nicholas, Bolland, Baker, Cook, Boyes, Smith (Jackson 78), Mackreth, Moyo, Hone. Unused subs: Ferrell, Sheridan, Harvey. Referee: Robert Merchant. Attendance: 685. BRENDAN JOINS IRON AFC Wimbledon midfielder - joins on loan for a month Braintree Town have signed Kiernan Brendan on loan from League Two side AFC Wimbledon. The 19-year old midfielder, equally at home on either flank was a former youth player with Crystal Palace before moving on to AFC Wimbledon at the age of 16. After playing for the Senior Academy sides, he impressed in this season's FA Youth Cup run and a county cup game in December 2010 and was rewarded with promotion to the first-team squad and has now made six first team appearances. FIXTURE CHANGE Trip to Newport postponed - and replaced by trip to Lincoln City Following Newport County's FA Trophy Second Round victory at Worksop Town last night, the Blue Square Bet Premier Division at Newport, scheduled for a week on Saturday, 4th February has been postponed as the Spytty Park club will be involved in FA Trophy Third Round action that day. As a result, we have agreed with Lincoln City to bring forward the Blue Square Bet Premier Division fixture at Sincil Bank, scheduled for Tuesday, 14th February, to replace the trip to Newport on Saturday 4th February with kick-off at 3pm. A new date for our trip to Newport County will be announced when it is agreed by both clubs. BRAINTREE RUE DECISIONS AT LEADERS Harsh dismissal - and two penalty appeals Braintree made the long six hour journey up the M6 to the North Lancashire coast to visit title hopefuls Fleetwood Town and came home beaten by three goals to one. But Iron can look at three key moments in the game and reflect on what might have been. Braintree made the best start when Ben Wright's free kick on the right was nodded home at the far post by the incoming Matt Paine after just five minutes. Iron were playing some good football, but lost Wright when he was dismissed by match referee Ross Joyce for his first foul. A poor challenge, as Ben accepted afterwards, but one he felt it did not merit a straight dismissal. Iron then re-organised, but were always on the back foot. Next key moment came when Jamie Vardy was fouled, despite having appeared to have lost possession, in the Braintree 18-yard box. A harsh penalty was awarded by the referee and despatched by Magno Viera. Fleetwood took the lead just before the break when Vardy headed home Lee Fowler's cross and made it 3-1 six minutes after the re-start. Hesitancy in the Iron defence was pounced upon by Viera who added his second from close range. Third key moment came with Iron pushing forward to get back into the break. Aswad Thomas broke into the home penalty area and set to cross had both legs taken away from behind but the referee awarded a corner, despite the home defender not touching the ball. After the game Iron boss Alan Devonshire was full of praise for his lads: "The sending off and the two penalty appeals were turning points in the match. Fleetwood are a good side, but I think we would have given them a game with eleven players. Ben's dismissal was very harsh, more so when a home player committed a similar offence five minutes later and yet received only a caution. But the lads have worked very hard over the last three games and I can't ask for anymore than that." IRON DENIED AT THE DEATH Two goals to the good - late leveller denies Braintree three points Saturday's match was one the Iron should have won having taken a two goal lead early in the second half, only to concede an equaliser in the 90th minute which was more down to the conditions than anything else. From 30 yards out on the right wing unchallenged, County substitute Danny Rowe just hit the ball low and goal-wards only for it to bounce awkwardly in the muddy goalmouth to beat the out stretched diving keeper Nathan McDonald with the ball creeping in off the foot of the far post. There was joy from the visitors over their slice of good fortune and despair for the Iron players who had done more than enough to earn all three points. The second half had started great for the Iron when, on 58 minutes, the County defence was caught napping from a quick throw-in on the left wing by Ben Wright to send Aswad Thomas through unchallenged who then drove the ball low past keeper Ian Ormson. Three minutes later Iron doubled their advantage when, again, the visiting defence were caught in possession on the edge of the area when they should have cleared the ball, but in stepped Nicky Symons to drive the ball again low into the net in the same place Thomas had done moments earlier. Iron kept pressing forward for a third goal and both Wright and Sean Marks went close but the visitors gave themselves hope on 67 minutes. This time is was the Iron defence that was caught napping when Joe O'Connor was allowed to run into the area to head home from a right wing corner to score. With both sides bringing on substitutes to give each side some fresh legs on what was a heavy surface and with the Iron facing an almost gale force wind and rain both sides looked for goals. Both teams battled well and the Iron were for most certainly the better side particularly in the second half and having two goals up should have held on but in the final 25 minutes they were up against worsening conditions and found it difficult to get the ball out of their own half. The first half was poor with little to excite the crowd as the visitors tried to dent the Iron's attacking flair by putting as many players behind the ball as they could although Wright, Kenny Davis, Andy Yiadom all came close to breaking the deadlock. The keepers had a quite first half with only McDonald forced into a save from Sam Sheridan with Ormson having to twice be alert to deny the advancing Marks. After the game Iron manager Alan Devonshire said: "I was disappointed we conceded the goal we did just after going two goals up while the equaliser looked to be a bit of a fluke from the distance the ball was delivered and it bounced awkwardly and I think Nathan was unsighted. But I'm proud of the boys because they gave a good performance after a tiring 120 minutes on Tuesday in the Trophy replay. But, having said that, I was more than a pleased to get a point from a difficult game in difficult conditions. It's another point towards out target of 50 points and we move on to the next game and get ourselves prepared for the trip to Fleetwood on Tuesday." STOCKPORT MATCH - GAME ON Pitch very heavy - but playable Following an 8am pitch inspection by groundsman Graham Hockley and his staff, the Club are confident that this afternoon's match against Stockport County will go ahead subject to any further heavy rain. STOCKPORT MATCH - PITCH UPDATE Heavy rain on Friday - leaves pitch under water Following heavy rain overnight and throughout Friday morning, the Amlin Stadium pitch was very wet on Friday lunchtime with areas of standing water. However, the forecast is for the weather to improve during Friday afternoon, with no more rain forecast until Sunday. Stockport County have advised us that they are travelling down on Friday afternoon and, given that they will be local to Braintree on Saturday, it is our intention to leave any pitch inspection until as late as possible on the day to give us the best chance of playing the game. Groundsman Graham Hockley remains confident that we can get the game on, subject to any further rain. More news when we have it. STOCKPORT COUNTY ARRANGEMENTS Reduced capacity for Saturday's match - while building work in progress For our next Blue Square Bet Premier fixture on Saturday at home to Stockport County, segregation WILL NOT be in force. This game will NOT be all ticket and tickets will not be available for sale prior to the game. Spectators should therefore pay their admission at the appropriate turnstile. To gain entry to the ground, ALL spectators should use the four turnstiles to the left on the clubhouse, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. The turnstiles used for most of last season (numbered 5 and 6) will not be used. BUILDING WORKS - IMPORTANT NOTICE While the building work is on-going at the Amlin Stadium, parts of the ground may be closed. The terraces either side of the covered stand on the Cressing Road side of the ground, together with the Cressing Road Stand may be closed as they are being renovated - a decision will be made on Saturday morning if they will be available for use. The Quag End Stand has been dismantled and therefore the Quag End will also be closed. The areas of the stadium that will be open on Saturday will be the Club End terrace, the Main Stand and the two terraces either side of the Main Stand. Please take care when moving around the stadium while the building work is on-going. Following discussions with Essex Police, the Club are mindful of the limited parking we have available at the ground. Following the advice received from Essex Police, the Club have decided to charge for entry into the car park - with a flat rate of £2 for all users. Essex Police have also suggested that the car park be closed prior to kick-off to ensure that there is no congestion between pedestrian spectators and vehicles. This early closing of the car park will be subject to an on-going review, but will dictate that no vehicles will be allowed entry into the car park after 2.30pm on Saturday. Admission prices for the match can be found by clicking the 'Tickets' link above. Those travelling to the Amlin Stadium for the first time can find more information on how best to travel by clicking on the 'Find Us' link above. The Clubhouse at the Amlin Stadium can be accessed from inside the ground and will be open to all spectators. For further information, please contact the Club on 01376 345617. PENALTY SHOOT OUT SINKS IRON Braintree dominate possession - against ten-man Gateshead Braintree Town bowed out of this season's FA Trophy competition losing 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot out after their Second Round Replay ended 1-1 after extra time. Iron started the better of the two sides and Andy Yiadom broke free of the Gateshead defence only to be caught by defender Ben Clark who was cautioned for his challenge. Just before the break a Gateshead corner on the right was only partially cleared to Micky Cummins who saw his snap shot zip just wide of Nathan McDonald's left upright. After the break Iron took the lead with a sweet move. Unlocking the Gateshead offside trap, Ben Wright raced forward on the left and, seeing Sean Marks free on the right, squared the ball to his striking partner who took a touch before tucking the ball past Gateshead keeper Tim Deasy. But the visitors were level four minutes later when a corner on the right was drilled into the home six yard box for the incoming Cummins to head past McDonald. With twenty minutes remaining Ben Clark was dismissed for a poor challenge on Marks, who had broken free of the Gateshead defence, but the ninety minutes finished all square at 1-1. The thirty minutes of time added on saw Iron dominate possession, but struggle to break down the packed Gateshead defence. Braintree's best chance came in the 119th minute when substitute Brad Quinton's cross skidded across the Gateshead goal-line, but just evaded the outstretched boot of both substitute Chib Chilaka and Marks. The game was then settled by the taking of penalties. Ben Wright, Kenny Davis and Brad Quinton converted Braintree's first three, but both Sean Marks and Jai Reason saw their efforts well saved by Deasy - who's side converted their first four kicks to win 4-3. After the game Iron boss Alan Devonshire was disappointed, but proud: "We've played a top-four side three times so far this season and have not been beaten. Of course we're all disappointed to go out of the competition, but we know penalties are something of a lottery. The lads have worked really hard over the two games, but we wish Gateshead well in the rest of the competition and now concentrate on getting our fifty points as quickly as possible." REPLAY WINNERS AT HOME TO ALFRETON Home draw in Round Three - for either Gateshead or Braintree The winners of tomorrow (Tuesday) evening's FA Trophy Second Round replay between Braintree Town and Gateshead have been drawn at home to Alfreton in the last sixteen of this season's competition. The full Third Round draw is as follows: Kidderminster Harriers v Hinckley United or Luton Town Northwich Victoria v East Thurrock United or Hampton & Richmond Borough Cambridge United v Guiseley AFC Dartford v Wealdstone Bath City v Grimsby Town York City v Ebbsfleet United Gateshead or Braintree Town v Alfreton Town Worksop Town or Newport County v Lincoln City or Carshalton Athletic GATESHEAD REPLAY ARRANGEMENTS Reduced capacity for replay - while building work in progress Saturday's drawn FA Trophy Second Round match will be replayed at the Amlin Stadium this coming Tuesday, 17th January. The weather forecast for the next forty-eight hours is not ideal with overnight frosts and a day-time temperature not exceeding five degrees forecast. We understand that Gateshead may be travelling down to Essex on Monday and, if so, this will allow us the opportunity of leaving any pitch inspection until as late as possible on Tuesday. Please check the website for the latest news. This match will NOT be all ticket. Segregation WILL NOT be in force and spectators should pay their admission on the day at the appropriate turnstile. To gain entry to the ground, ALL spectators should use the four turnstiles to the left on the clubhouse, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. BUILDING WORKS - IMPORTANT NOTICE As a one-off on Tuesday evening, while the building work is on-going at the Amlin Stadium, two parts of the ground will not be open. The terraces either side of the covered stand on the Cressing Road side of the ground, together with the Cressing Road Stand will be closed as they are being renovated. The Quag End Stand has been dismantled and therefore the Quag End will also be closed. The areas of the stadium that will be open on Tuesday evening will be the Club End terrace, the Main Stand and the two terraces either side of the Main Stand. Given the limited covered accommodation available on Tuesday evening, the Club will not be charging the usual £1 to sit in the Main Stand and all spectators can sit in the 553-seat stand for free. Please take care when moving around the stadium while the building work is on-going. Following discussions with Essex Police, the Club are mindful of the limited parking we have available at the ground. Following the advice received from Essex Police, the Club have decided to charge for entry into the car park - with a flat rate of £2 for all users. Essex Police have also suggested that the car park be closed prior to kick-off to ensure that there is no congestion between pedestrian spectators and vehicles. This early closing of the car park will be subject to an on-going review, but will dictate that no vehicles will be allowed entry into the car park after 7.30pm on Tuesday. Admission prices for the match can be found by clicking the 'Tickets' link above. Those travelling to the Amlin Stadium for the first time can find more information on how best to travel by clicking on the 'Find Us' link above. The Clubhouse at the Amlin Stadium can be accessed from inside the designated home section of the ground and will be open to all spectators. For further information, please contact the Club on 01376 345617. DAVIS GETS IRON BACK FROM THE DEAD Iron respond within sixty seconds - to late Gateshead goal Braintree Town and its supporters made the long 600 mile round journey to the North East to visit fellow Blue Square Bet Premier side Gateshead for Saturday's FA Trophy Second Round tie. Like the league meeting in November, Iron came back down the A1 with a share of an entertaining 2-2 draw. Manager Alan Devonshire came into the game with a cautious line-up, with Adam Bailey-Dennis back in the side to provide three centre halves and two wing-backs, but Iron fell behind after just fifteen minutes when John Shaw put the home side ahead, despite looking to be at least three yards offside. Ten minutes before the break Devonshire switched to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation with a double substitution seeing the introduction of both Jai Reason and Andy Yiadom. The switch paid almost immediate dividends as Yiadom caused havoc on the left of the home defence before tucking the ball across the six yard box for the unmarked Reason to slide the ball home from close range. The second half saw both sides have their chances to take the initiative, but the game looked to be heading for a replay as the fourth official indicated just two minutes of time added on. But heartbreak followed for Iron fans moments later as home substitute Jamie Chandler added a second for the home side pouncing on a free ball in the Braintree six yard box to stab home from close range. But, just as the home fans were singing about their side going the Wembley, Aswad Thomas broke on the left and lifted a sweet cross into the home penalty area for skipper Kenny Davis to power his header into the far corner. Subject to the weather, the replay will take place this coming Tuesday evening, 17th January, with kick-off at 7.45pm. After the match Devonshire was relieved: "The draw was a fair reflection on the ninety minutes. We tried something out for half an hour, but it wasn't working and we found ourselves behind. We all know this side can score goals and, when I switched it around, we were level quickly. To be honest, I thought the game was petering out into a 1-1 draw before those two goals in a minute of time added on. I wasn't happy about their second, but the response from our lads was superb. Anyway, we got what we deserved out of the game and let's hope the weather will be kind enough to allow us to go again on Tuesday." FOOTBALL CONFERENCE STATEMENT Final Saturday of Season - Kick-off times The Football Conference have announced that the Blue Square Bet Premier fixtures scheduled for the final round of matches on Saturday 28th April, will ALL kick off at 1.00pm. Not only will this ensure fairness that all matches commence at the same time, it will enable Premier Sports Television to select one match for LIVE transmission without affecting other competitions and broadcasters. Importantly it will allow the four clubs who go on to contest the Play Off series of matches maxium time to prepare. By issuing this statement now, it will enable supporter groups and individuals the opportunity, especially those playing away, to plan with more confidence their usual the end of the season celebrations, by being able to book accomodation and make travel arrangements at the best possible rates. Therefore please note that Braintree Town's trip to Wrexham on Saturday 28 April, will kick-off at 1pm. Please note this does NOT affect the regional leagues - Blue Square North or South - which will all remain with a 3.00pm kick off.  GROUND IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE Good-bye to the Quag End stand - as new terraces start to take shape Works have continued around the Amlin Stadium as the Club pushed on with its redevelopment plans to meet the Football Association's 'A' ground grading requirements. As you will see from the photos above, this week has seen the erection of the supporting pillars for the extended Club End terrace, the re-surfacing of the terraces either side of the Cressing Road Stand and the dismantling of the Old Quag End stand, which is set to be replaced by a new one thousand capacity terrace. More news and pictures as we have them! CLUB SUFFERS BREAK IN Damage caused frustrating - but anti-intruder systems work Braintree Town Football Club has fallen victim to a break-in at its premises during the early hours of Tuesday morning 10 January. The Football Club's hospitality areas and clubhouse were all targeted, with a considerable amount of damage inflicted upon the fabric of the building. Following consultation with Essex Police, we understand that our club was not alone in being targeted during the past 24 hours. Although the Club do not retain any money or substantial stock at its Amlin Stadium premises, the new anti-intruder systems proved to be an effective deterrent, with the Club suffering no significant loss. Despite that, Chairman Lee Harding was disappointed: "We have been working closely with the Essex Police forensic team to assess any evidence left at the scene. Experience tells us not to leave anything of value in the premises, so they were wasting their time really. We have staff within close proximity to the stadium that can react very quickly to any anti-intruder activation and we believe we missed the perpetrators by a matter of minutes this morning. That said, the damage caused is real kick in the teeth for all those trying to improve our facilities to meet the FA's ground grading and if we do catch burglars in the future, we won't be sending them a solicitor's letter!" MARKS ENSURES IRON GET DESERVED POINT Disputed goals shared - as Iron come from behind to secure point Iron made the journey around the M25 and down the M4 to visit Bath City and came home with a deserved point from a controversial Blue Square Bet Premier match. Controversy centred on both goals with Iron players claiming that the opening goal was scored from an offside position, whilst the leveller in the fourth minute of time added on came from a disputed penalty. Bath took a fifth minute lead after good build up work Marley Watkins' pass released Lewis Hogg who saw his shot turned in at the far post by Sean Canham standing on the goal line behind the Iron defence and keeper Nathan McDonald. The Braintree complaints were waved away and Iron then regained their composure before taking the initiative after the break. Playing with ten regularly behind the ball, the home side continued to give ground to Braintree - who dominated the second half with Bath restricted to occasional breakaways. On 67 minutes a superb dipping free-kick from Ben Wright brought a diving save from Bath keeper Jason Matthews and Andy Yiadom saw his header dip just over moments later. As the second half wore on Iron pushed more players forward and finished the game playing 3-3-4. In time added on Yiadom's jinxing run was ended by a clumsy foul on the edge of the home box and eight Braintree players lined up waiting for Brad Quinton's free-kick. As it was lifted into the home penalty area, Aswad Thomas was hauled to the ground and referee Wayne Barratt had little option but to award a penalty. Sean Marks stepped up to take the spot kick. He saw his first effort well blocked by Matthews, but calmly tucked the rebound into the bottom corner. After the game Iron Manager Alan Devonshire was happy enough: "They got their equaliser in time added on at our place, so I know how they feel. Their goal looked offside from where I was, as the lad scored from behind Nathan, but we got on with it and created a lot of pressure, more so second half. We pushed bodies forward as the clock wound down. I understand their frustration, but if you pull a player down in the box the referee really has no alternative. The draw was a fair result and extends our recent good run to three wins and draw in five. We're making progress and can now look forward to the Trophy." THREE GOAL IRON SINGING IN THE RAIN Jai Reason free-kick sets up Braintree - before great finishes from Ben and Sean secure the points Iron made amends for their disappointing Boxing Day display to win by the odd goal in five against visitors Cambridge United at the Amlin Stadium on New Year's Day. Despite the relatively close scoreline, this was a match that Braintree deserved to win comfortably. Played on a heavy pitch in almost continuous rain, the first half was a fairly stoic affair with Andy Yiadom's 26th minute half volley dealt with by Cambridge keeper Danny Naisbitt, who then had to be at his best to block out Sean Marks's fierce drive seven minutes later as Iron enjoyed a period of possession. Iron's best chance of the first 45 minutes came just before the break when Ben Wright's snapshot was again well saved by Naisbitt. After the interval Iron took the initiative and were ahead after 51 minutes. Aswad Thomas raced down the left flank only to be body-checked off the ball by Thorpe who conceded a free kick and was then booked. Jai Reason stepped up to launch the resulting free-kick into the far right post where it evaded Sean Marks but crept past Naisbitt into the bottom corner. Four minutes later and it was 2-0. A free-kick from deep in his own half was launched forward by Nathan McDonald who found Marks on the edge of the Cambridge 18 yard box. He shrugged off the challenge of United's Coulson before calmly tucking the ball between Naisbitt and his near post. Braintree added a third on 77 minutes. McDonald's clearance was nodded forward by both Nicky Symons and Marks to Ben Wright who superbly lobbed the stranded Naisbitt from 30 yards. United pulled one back with two minutes remaining, through James Jennings as the Iron defence struggled to clear their lines on the saturated pitch, and added then a second in the 95th minute as Tom Shaw scored from what looked to be a suspiciously offside position, but there was no time for the visitors to add a third. After the game Iron boss Alan Devonshire was pleased with his side's response: "I wasn't pleased with our Boxing Day performance and the lads knew that. We freshened things up and both Jai and Ben came back into the side. With the continuous rain on an already heavy pitch, I felt our lads rolled their sleeves up and really wanted it today. Jai's free-kick was always going to cause them problems whether Marksy got a touch or not, but Sean made sure of his goal with that fine finish four minutes later. I'm also delighted for Ben who has scored that great third for us." OFFSIDE GOAL SINKS IRON Dispute opener sees Iron - beaten on Boxing Day Braintree Town made the relatively short journey to visit Cambridge United on Boxing Day and came home beaten by two goals to nil. Iron Manager Alan Devonshire had to reshuffle his side a little prior to kick-off with Ben Wright not recovering from an slight injury picked up in training last week. The first half was a nip and tuck affair with Iron switching to a five man defence. Despite playing against the wind, Braintree dealt with most of what the home side could create, but fell behind to a disputed 35th minute opener. A long ball over the top of a statuesque Iron defence from Wylde fell to Gash who raced into the Iron 18-yard box before tucking the ball past the exposed Nathan McDonald. The Iron defence continued to claim for an offside decision that never came. With the wind behind them Iron switched to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation after the break bringing on Chilaka for Quinton, but the home side enjoyed a lot of possession and caused the four-man Iron defence problems before adding a second on 58 minutes. A ball in from the right from Marriott was pulled back for the unmarked Berry to slide the ball past McDonald but just inside the left post. Iron pushed forward trying to get back into the game, but also live something of a charmed life defensively as the home side squandered a series of chances. After the game Iron Manager Alan Devonshire was realistic: "We had a few lads out there that looked like they'd had a good Christmas! I'll be looking for a response and with Jai now available again and Ben hopefully fit, we'll learn from today and get ready for the return on New Year's Day." BARRY SHEPHERD UPDATE-2 Vice Chairman says 'Thanks for the card' - and Nicky Morgan is on the move Iron Director Alan Stuckey popped into see Vice Chairman Barry Shepherd yesterday and reports that Barry is fine and in good spirits. The hospital intend to do further tests on a new piece of equipment on Thursday to complete their picture of what is to be done on Thursday afternoon. If Barry needs an operation, we don't yet know how long it will take for recuperation after the operation or whether he will be in hospital for Christmas. Barry was overcome by all the people that had signed his card. He asked to pass on his gratitude for everybody's good wishes as they do mean a lot to him. Earlier in the day, Alan Stuckey had been at Wembley and Trevor Brooking signed Barry's card. Barry was speechless when he came across Trevor Brooking's remarks! As you may know Barry is in the same ward as our former champion goalkeeper Nicky Morgan. Despite being virtually paralysed below the neck, Nicky is lucid, breathes fine and is in remarkable spirits after what he has been through. When Alan spoke with him, he was very up-beat because they have promised to transfer him to Stoke Mandaville today (Wednesday) to start a 4-6 month rehabilitation programme. He talked fondly about his time at Braintree and we all wish 'one of our champions' well! Pictured are: Barry, his wife Diane and 'The Card' plus John Morgan (Nicky's dad), Nick Morgan & Barry. NEW YEAR'S DAY TICKETS ON SALE Tickets available in advance - but match is NOT all ticket The match against Cambridge United on New Year's Day will NOT be all ticket, but tickets are available in advance to help ease queueing at the turnstiles. Segregation WILL be in force. Tickets for home fans will be available as follows: Tuesday 20 December - Clubhouse - 7.30-9.30pm Thursday 22 December - Clubhouse - 7.30-9.30pm Christmas Eve - Clubhouse - 6.30-8.30pm Boxing Day - Clubhouse - 4.30-8.30pm Thursday 29 December - Clubhouse - 7.30-9.30pm New Year's Eve - Clubhouse - 6.30-8.30pm Spectators will still be able to pay their admission on the day at the appropriate turnstile. To gain entry to the ground, Home spectators should use the four turnstiles to the left on the clubhouse, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. Turnstiles numbered 5 and 6 will not be used. Away spectators should use turnstiles to the right of the Clubhouse and Main Stand, numbered 7 and 8. Inside the ground, Home spectators will be allocated the Cressing Road covered terrace, the Clubhouse End terrace, the terrace between the Clubhouse and the Main Stand and 400 seats in the Main Stand. Away spectators will be allocated the Quag End covered terrace and the terrace between the Quag End and the Main Stand. Again following discussions with Essex Police, the Club are mindful of the limited parking we have available at the ground. Following the advice received from Essex Police, the Club have decided to charge for entry into the car park - with a flat rate of £2 for all users. Essex Police have also suggested that the car park be closed prior to kick-off to ensure that there is no congestion between pedestrian spectators and vehicles. This early closing of the car park will be subject to an on-going review, but will dictate that no vehicles will be allowed entry into the car park after 2.30pm on New Year's Day. Admission prices for the match can be found by clicking the 'Tickets' link above. Spectators wishing to sit in the Main Stand will be asked to pay an additional £1, with the 100 seats nearest the Quag End reserved for Away spectators. A full colour 40-page matchday programme will be on sale inside the ground adjacent to the turnstiles for just £2. Those travelling to the Amlin Stadium for the first time can find more information on how best to travel by clicking on the 'Find Us' link above. The Clubhouse at the Amlin Stadium can only be accessed from inside the designated home section of the ground. Those spectators wishing to use the segregated part of the ground reserved for Away supporters may wish to visit The Orange Tree public house some 300 yards from the ground on Cressing Road between the ground and Galley's Corner roundabout prior to entering the ground. For further information, please contact the Club on 01376 345617. BARRY SHEPHERD UPDATE Vice Chairman now moved to Romford hospital - awaiting tests next week A quick update on our Vice Chairman Barry Shepherd. Barry was transferred to a Romford hospital before the weekend and further tests will be done before a decision is made during the coming week. Without under-estimating the serious nature of Barry's condition, indications remain positive that he will make a full recovery. Barry spirits remain high and he was delighted by Saturday's win over AFC Telford United! Barry is now in the same ward as former Iron keeper Nicky Morgan and they've spent time together discussing the game. He asked to pass on his sincere thanks and appreciation to all supporters from both our club and our friends at Chelmsford City that have taken the time to wish him well. He says the support he's had from the football community has given him a big lift and helped to keep his spirits high and the boredom at bay! He apologises for not responding to the hundreds of texts and e-mails, but he has a very limited internet service. Finally, Barry wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and hopes that it will not be too long before he is back at the Amlin Stadium to cheer the lads on. - Lee Harding, Chairman, BTFC. WRIGHT AT THE DOUBLE Iron front man levels - and scores the winner Iron were made to work for this much needed win and three points against a dogged visitors' side at the Amlin Stadium, but it was their vastly improved second half performance when they dominated the game that turned out to be enough. The Iron went behind from a terrific strike by Jay Smith on seven minutes when the former Tamworth forward picked up a loose ball from outside the area and hit a first time volley low into the home net that gave keeper Nathan McDonald no chance. The visitors had the upper hand from then onwards for most of the half but failed to capitalise on their pressure while the Iron defence with Dean Wells and Adam Bailey-Dennis outstanding managed to keep them at bay. Both Andy Yiadom and Sean Marks almost brought the Iron level but the turning point came a minute from half time when long serving Iron midfielder Brad Quinton, presented with a silver salver before the start to recognised his 500 games for the club, was brought down by Ashley Cain as he ran through towards the goal. Referee Tim Robinson had no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot and up stepped Ben Wright to fire the resultant kick past Ryan Young. It really set the tone for the second half, which was a more open game than in the first with the Iron gradually taking control the more half progressed. With the visitors now seemingly having lost their way with some wayward passing the Iron midfield began to take control while both Marks and Wright were a constant thorn in the visitors' rearguard. It was only a matter of time before the Iron scored again and it finally came on 77 minutes when defender Dean Wells forged a path through down the right wing allowing Marks to send in a low cross causing total confusion in the Telford defence. It was the man of the match Wright who proved the quickest to react with the ball loose in the penalty area and, amid the confusion, stabbed the ball into the net for the winner. It was no more than the Iron deserved for their second half showing and although Sean Newton went close in the final minutes the visitors knew that had to return home empty handed. After their recent poor league run manager Alan Devonshire was more than delighted to see his side hit form again declaring: "I'm more than happy with again the character my boys showed particularly after going a goal down in the first few minutes which was a body blow. It's always difficult for my part-time boys playing against full-time players but they showed again in this match they worked their socks off for another and pleasingly too we kept our discipline and shape. They tried to slow the tempo of the game down but we kept pressing them hard so that didn't happen. The penalty we scored just prior to half time helped us to get back into the game and I think we were well in charge in the second half and could have scored a couple of more goals. We needed this win and now we're just eight points of the play-off positions. We need to get back into the top half of the table and, playing as we did today, I'm confident we can maintain this form now we've overcome our recent problems. It also showed that having a full team available as we did today, apart from Jai Reason who still has two more suspended games, we can more than hold our own at this level and this was a tremendous all round performance from all the players. This sets up nicely for our Christmas games against Cambridge." Braintree Town: McDonald, Thomas, Bailey-Dennis, Wells, Paine, Symons (Johnson 65), Davis, Quinton (Peters 65), Yiadom, Wright 9 (Chilaka 87). Unused subs: Stevens, Jones. AFC Telford United: Young, Salmon, Newton, Killock, Trainer, Brown, Preston, Valentine, Smith, Rooney (Sharp 62), Cain (Chamberlain 66). Unused subs: Whitehead, Robinson, Adams. Referee: Tim Robinson. Attendance: 605 (48 away). GATESHEAD AWAY IN THE FA TROPHY Iron drawn away in the Trophy - with game set for 14 January Braintree Town have been drawn away to fellow Blue Square Bet Premier side Gateshead in the Second Round of this season's FA Trophy competition. The Iron, 1-0 winners at Gosport Borough on Saturday, will make the journey to the North East on Saturday 14 January, with kick-off at 3pm. The draw is as follows: Ebbsfleet United v Chester, Wealdstone v Barrow AFC, Weymouth v Alfreton Town, Worksop Town v Newport County or Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead v Braintree Town, Lincoln City v Carshalton Athletic, Vauxhall Motors or Kidderminster Harriers v Droylsden, Dartford v Boston United, East Thurrock United v Hampton & Richmond Borough, Grimsby Town v AFC Hornchurch or Farnborough, Cambridge United v AFC Telford United, Northwich Victoria v Staines Town or Maidenhead United, Hinckley United v Luton Town, Salisbury City v York City or Solihull Moors, Guiseley AFC v Stockport County or Stalybridge Celtic, Bath City v Basingstoke Town. McDONALD SECURES PROGRESS IN TROPHY Dean Wells' header puts Braintree ahead - but late saves from McDonald secures progress Braintree Town eased through to the last thirty-two of this season's FA Trophy competition following Saturday's single-goal victory at Southern Leaguers Gosport Borough on Saturday. Iron were comfortable for most of the match and both strikers Sean Marks and Ben Wright saw home keeper Nathan Ashmore perform heroics to keep the scoresheet blank at the interval. Braintree finally broke the deadlock seven minutes after the re-start when Ben Wright's corner on the left was lofted to the far post for the incoming Dean Wells to power his header past Ashmore. With the home side committing players to attack, Iron continued to be frustrated by Ashmore, but had to be thankful to their own keeper Nathan McDonald late on to avoid a replay. Seven minutes from time James Ford tried his luck from deep on the right and soaring above the floodlights, McDonald had to be alert to tip the ball over the bar. Then, in the fourth minute of time added veteran Steve Claridge saw his header superbly tipped over by McDonald, but Iron retained their clean sheet and picked up the five thousand pounds for progressing into Round Two. After the game Alan Devonshire was pleased: "The lads have worked really hard today and we created a hatful of chances. Their keeper did well to keep us at bay and, in those circumstances, you're always susceptible to a late goal. Deano likes to get forward and scored with a great header for us, but they were always going to get their chance and Nathan had to be alert to keep his clean sheet at the end. Credit to Gosport - they pushed us late on - but, in cup competitions, I suppose being in the next round is what it's all about. Anyway, we can look forward to the draw on Monday and, hopefully, more progress in the new year!" 16-18 & LOOKING FOR A LIFE IN FOOTBALL? Do you have an outstanding football ability? - Would you like to practise your football skills every day? Would you like to be part of a leading national league football club while gaining recognised national vocational qualifications? Braintree Town are to launch an Academy for promising 16 to 18 year old footballers who wish to develop their skills while studying for academic qualifications. The Academy programme will be delivered at Braintree's Amlin Stadium in partnership with an established partner, Soccer Coaching Limited (SCL). The Club play their football in the Blue Square Premier League, the highest level of football in the country outside the Football League and the Premiership. The academic programme will follow the standard academic year. A typical week for students attending the academy will be four full days, typically divided equally between academic study for nationally recognised qualifications in Football Coaching and Sports Studies and practical football coaching and matches. Students will receive tuition from SCL, an organisation rated as 'excellent' in recent Ofsted inspections, and from fully qualified football coaches associated with Braintree Town. Students' attendance, academic performance and football development will be monitored regularly to ensure their progression. There will also be at least one Braintree Town FC team with players recruited exclusively from the Academy, and all students will have the opportunity to progress to other Braintree Town FC teams. To be accepted for the Academy potential students will have to demonstrate their football skills in a series of trials to be held at Braintree Town in February, April and July 2012. These will be followed by information sessions for students and their parents to receive more detailed information about the programme. The academy programme will commence with the new academic year in September 2012 and the course will be free to all students, who will become registered as Further Education students. For further information about the academy and to apply for a trial potential students should look on the Braintree Town FC Web Site or contact Braintree Town FC via btfcmarketing@btinternet.com. REASON DISMISSAL COSTS IRON Club to take action - to curb poor disciplinary record Braintree Town slipped to a disappointing three-goal home defeat against visitors Hayes & Yeading United at the Amlin Stadium on Tuesday evening. In an important game for the Iron who are still in search of points to secure their status at this level, the home side were left with an uphill battle after midfield player Jai Reason was dismissed for violent conduct after raising his hand to an opponents face. Iron had started arguably the better of the two sides, but Manager Alan Devonshire was left with no alternative than to adopt a defensive 4-4-1 formation following Reason's needless dismissal. After the break Hayes & Yeading started to stretch the depleted home side and took the lead after 55 minutes when a Tom Collins cross from the left was tucked past Nathan McDonald. Collins then added a second eight minutes later when he let fly from all of 25 yards and Williams added a second with three minutes remaining as Iron got caught on the counter with players pushing forward. After the match Manager Alan Devonshire was furious: "What can I say, the sending off has cost us the game. For an experienced player, an England international, to do what he did has just killed us. I had to take Ben off and bring on Brad and the ten that were left gave me everything, but we're beating ourselves at the moment." Chairman Lee Harding agreed: "Finance Director Kim Cowell and I had a long chat with Alan before the game about the need to improve our discipline and he was the first to agree, but when the lads step over the touch line they are all responsible for their own actions. We have a FA Trophy tie on Saturday, an important league match against Telford a week on Saturday and then our local derby at Cambridge United on Boxing Day. Through his own actions, Jai will miss all these games and will probably now not be available to play for us until 2012. But there are no complaints about the sending off. We had an experienced Football League referee last night and you cannot slap an opponent in the face right in front of him! I will be speaking to all the players myself on Thursday evening and our Club Code of Conduct is very clear. Our poor disciplinary record cannot continue and the Club will now be taking action. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to our supporters who have backed us magnificently this season. It's never easy to predict the outcome of a game of football, but the very least we all expect is for us to give ourselves the best chance and, to do that, we need to keep eleven players on the pitch!" DEPLETED IRON BEATEN AT MANFIELD With just 11 outfield players to choose from - Iron failed to sustain bright start A heavily depleted Iron side made the journey to Mansfield Town and, despite taking an early lead, came away beaten by four goals to one. Iron were ahead after eight minutes when Ben Wright was set up by Jai Reason and tucked the ball home from the edge of the box. The home side levelled on 24 minutes when John Dempster converted Aman Verna's corner, but the turning point came just before the break when Sean Marks was through on goal only to be denied by an excellent block by home keeper Alan Marriott. After the break the home side took the initiative and were ahead after 49 minutes when Matt Green beat Nathan McDonald from close range and Lindon Meikle tucked home Mansfield's third on the hour. With only one fit outfield player on the bench, Iron's options to switch players with substitutions were limited and McDonald could do little to prevent Green adding a fourth on 68 minutes. After the game Iron boss Alan Devonshire was realistic: "What I'm learning very quickly is that you can't take on this league with just twelve players. I've got to sort out the discipline, get everybody fit and available and then we go to work." GROUND WORKS UNDERWAY Club End terrace to be extended - and other terraces re-surfaced Building work to secure The Football Association's 'A' grading required by the Club to retain its membership of the Football Conference Premier Division is now underway. The first phase of the works includes the extension of the Club End terrace in front of the current Board Room and Club Shop as far as the two turnstiles (number 5 & 6) in the corner of the ground. This work is being undertaken by Alnwick Engineering Ltd., who successfully extended the Club's Main Stand in 2007 and we hope to have the new terrace available for the game on New Year's Day. Pictured below are the foundations for the new terraces.  The Club are also upgrading many of the terraces around the ground and have started work on improvements to the terrace to the left of the Main Stand. This work is being undertaken by the Club itself and we hope to have this complete by Tuesday 6 December. Pictured below is the shuttering of the new terrace steps ready for the pouring of concrete either side of the coming weekend.  IRON DENIED AT TAMWORTH Positive response to going behind - but Iron return home beaten Iron made the three hour journey to Staffordshire to visit Tamworth and came home beaten by the only goal of the game. The first half was a relatively subdued affair, with both sides struggling to come to terms with the end-to-end slope on the pitch and the swirling wind. Despite playing up the slope, Braintree gradually got on top as the half progressed and Jai Reason's effort on the half hour required two bites from home keeper Hedge to smother the ball. Just before the break Kenny Davis released Andy Yiadom on the right and he cut inside before launching a blistering low drive which Hedge could only parry for a corner. After the break Iron continued to take the game to their hosts and Yiadom's mazey run almost opened up the home defence after 55 minutes but, within a couple of minutes, Tamworth broke the deadlock. The home side swept the ball in from the left by Paul Green and Danny Mills turned his marker before tucking the ball low to Nathan McDonald's left for 1-0. Braintree responded positively and Chib Chilaka had the ball in the Tamworth net on the hour, but he was deemed to have converted Nicky Symons cross from an offside position. Iron pushed players forward with Chilaka again missing the target on 71 minutes. Substitute Brad Quinton came on for his 500th apperarance and his first notable contribution was to test Hedge from 25 yards, but the home keeper saved low to his right. Iron were down to ten men with five minutes remaining. Adam Bailey-Dennis stretched for a clearance and then tangled with Iyseden Christie who then seemed to raise his hands to the prostate Bailey-Dennis. Iron skipper Kenny Davis tried to intervene to keep the players apart and was then dismissed after a lengthy period of deliberation by match referee Johnson. Iron threw bodies forward in the last five minutes and the five minutes of time added on, but could not breach the home defence. After the game Braintree boss Alan Devonshire was disappointed: "I felt we did enough to get something out of the game tonight. We didn't really get going in the first half, but I felt we responded well to going behind and Chib looked to have come from behind the defender for the goal that was ruled out. Having reviewed the DVD of the game, I'm not at all happy with the sending off of Kenny Davis and I will be asking Secretary Tom Woodley what action we as a Club can take."  GOSPORT BOROUGH AWAY IN THE FA TROPHY Iron drawn away in the Trophy - with game set for 10 December Braintree Town have been drawn away to Evo-Stick League Southern Division One South & West side Gosport Borough in the First Round of this season's FA Trophy competition. The Iron, exempt until the First Round Proper as a Blue Square Bet Premier club, will make the journey to the South Coast on Saturday 10 December, with kick-off at 3pm. The draw is as follows: Northwich Victoria or Ilkeston v Fleetwood Town, Colwyn Bay or FC Halifax Town v Lincoln City, Vauxhall Motors v Kidderminster Harriers, Stockport County v Stalybridge Celtic, York City v Solihull Moors or Ossett Town, Barrow AFC v Harrogate Town, Nuneaton Town v AFC Telford United, Guiseley AFC v FC United Of Manchester, Wrexham v Hinckley United, Droylsden v Mansfield Town, Grimsby Town v Darlington, Gateshead v Kettering Town, Worksop Town v Tamworth, Corby Town or North Ferriby United v Chester, Alfreton Town v Southport, Boston United v Hyde, Salisbury City v Lowestoft Town, Luton Town v Swindon Supermarine, Didcot Town v Basingstoke Town, Chelmsford City v Bath City, Banbury United or Wealdstone v Uxbridge, Gloucester City or Truro City v Ebbsfleet United, Hampton & Richmond Borough v Hayes & Yeading United, Carshalton Athletic v Bishop's Stortford or Tonbridge Angels, East Thurrock United v Thamesmead Town or Welling United, Staines Town v Maidenhead United, Weymouth or Havant & Waterlooville v Chippenham Town or Eastleigh, Boreham Wood v Cambridge United, Brackley Town v Eastbourne Borough or Dartford, AFC Hornchurch v Farnborough or Bury Town, Newport County v Forest Green Rovers, Gosport Borough v Braintree Town. RESILIENT IRON HOLD LEADERS Well marshalled at the back - Iron have chances to win the game Braintree Town shared the spoils from a goal-less draw with Blue Square Bet Premier leaders Wrexham on Saturday, despite finishing the game with only ten men. The Welsh side started the strongest and had the ball in Nathan McDonald's net after just five minutes, but saw Knight-Percival's 'goal' ruled out for offside. Generally, Wrexham had the better of the opening half hour but Iron came back into the game as the interval approached, with Andy Yiadom's effort four minutes before the break requiring a smart stop from visiting keeper Mayebi. After the break the Welsh side again started brightly, with McDonald denying Knight-Percival's 55th minute header, but Iron looked more likely to score as the half wore on. Sean Marks powered through the visitors defence before launching a stinging drive just over the bar with Mayebi well beaten and Yiadem tried his luck from distance but saw his effort smothered by the Wrexham custodian. Best chance for Braintree came when Jai Reason turned his marker on 74 minutes and launched his drive into the top left corner, only to see Mayebi dramatically claw the ball away to the safety of a corner. Iron had to withstand the last five minutes and five additional minutes with just ten men after Aswad Thomas was dismissed for two cautions, but Iron retained their composure, with McDonald comfortably dealing with Wright's effort for the visitors in time added on. After the game Braintree Manager Alan Devonshire was pleased: "The lads have worked hard during the week and it's not been easy with one or two missing. The back four and Nathan did well today and I felt there were times we looked like we were going to break through at the other end, but a draw was a fair reflection." ARRANGEMENTS FOR WREXHAM SATURDAY Segregation on Saturday - and car park closes at 2.30pm For our next Blue Square Bet Premier fixture on Saturday at home to Wrexham, segregation WILL be in force. This game will NOT be all ticket and tickets will not be available for sale prior to the game. Spectators should therefore pay their admission at the appropriate turnstile. To gain entry to the ground, Home spectators should use the four turnstiles to the left on the clubhouse, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. The turnstiles used for most of last season (numbered 5 and 6) will not be used. Away spectators should use turnstiles to the right of the Clubhouse and Main Stand, numbered 7 and 8. Inside the ground, Home spectators will be allocated the Cressing Road covered terrace, the Clubhouse End terrace, the terrace between the Clubhouse and the Main Stand and 400 seats in the Main Stand. Away spectators will be allocated the Quag End covered terrace and the terrace between the Quag End and the Main Stand. Again following discussions with Essex Police, the Club are mindful of the limited parking we have available at the ground. Following the advice received from Essex Police, the Club have decided to charge for entry into the car park - with a flat rate of £2 for all users. Essex Police have also suggested that the car park be closed prior to kick-off to ensure that there is no congestion between pedestrian spectators and vehicles. This early closing of the car park will be subject to an on-going review, but will dictate that no vehicles will be allowed entry into the car park after 2.30pm on Saturday. Admission prices for the match can be found by clicking the 'Tickets' link above. Spectators wishing to sit in the Main Stand will be asked to pay an additional £1, with the 100 seats nearest the Quag End reserved for Away spectators. A full colour 40-page matchday programme will be on sale inside the ground adjacent to the turnstiles for just £2. Those travelling to the Amlin Stadium for the first time can find more information on how best to travel by clicking on the 'Find Us' link above. The Clubhouse at the Amlin Stadium can only be accessed from inside the designated home section of the ground. Those spectators wishing to use the segregated part of the ground reserved for Away supporters may wish to visit The Orange Tree public house some 300 yards from the ground on Cressing Road between the ground and Galley's Corner roundabout prior to entering the ground. For further information, please contact the Club on 01376 345617. IRON HAMMERED BY FOREST GREEN Matt Paine sent off as - Iron concede heavily again Braintree Town's defence was left exposed by Forest Green Rovers's forwards who ran riot, more so following the needless sending off of Braintree centre-half Matt Paine. Iron, who have now conceded thirty goals in their last nine matches, were struggling from early on and were behind after just six minutes. A cross from Rovers' James Rowe found Yan Klukowski unmarked on the edge of the home 18-yard box and he drilled the ball into the bottom right corner past Nathan McDonald. Braintree could have levelled on 13 minutes when Ben Wright's corner was only partially cleared and Kenny Davis saw his follow up header scrambled off the line. But the visitors continued to push forward and added a second on 28 minutes. Rowe was again provider launching the ball into the home six yard box. McDonald reacted brilliantly to deny Rovers Charlie Griffin, but could do little to prevent the rebound being crashed in from close range. Braintree responded and pulled a goal back from the restart when an Aswad Thomas cross found Sean Marks unmarked and he crashed the ball home from close range. But hope of a Braintree revival was made difficult following the sending off of Matt Paine who clashed with Rovers Al Bangura after losing possession. Playing against ten men, Rovers controlled the game and added a third just before the break when Matty Taylor headed home unmarked from a corner. After the break Braintree could have pulled a goal back on 55 minutes when Wright's free-kick was headed over by Marks, but Rovers put the game beyond doubt with thirteen minutes remaining. Eddie Oshodi's cross from the left found Klukowski in plenty of space and he comfortably side-footed the ball past the exposed McDonald. And Braintree's misery was completed three minutes later when substitute Liam Henderson tried his luck from all of thirty yards and saw his shot slip through the grasp of McDonald. After the game Braintree manager Alan Devonshire was honest in his assessment and said: "Perhaps I'll have to take the blame for today. Maybe we've under-cooked the training a bit over the past couple of weeks - I tried to take the intensity away from it and perhaps I shouldn't have done. Not too many pluses for us today and we've got a fair bit of work to do for next Saturday." Braintree Town: McDonald, Peters, Thomas, Paine, Reason (Symons 66), Davis, Marks, Wright (Chilaka 66), Quinton (Wells 36), Yiadom, Stevens. Un-used subs: Johnson, Jones. Forest Green Rovers: Hodgkiss, Stokes, Turley, Klukowski, Griffin (Henderson 76), Forbes, Taylor (Uwezu 84), Rowe, Bangura (Thomson 82), Oshodi, Bond. Un-used subs: Bittner, Graham. Referee: Amy Fearn. Attendance: 1005. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOREST GREEN ROVERS ON SATURDAY NO Segregation on Saturday - and car park closes at 2.30pm For our next Blue Square Bet Premier fixture this coming Saturday afternoon at home to Forest Green Rovers, segregation will NOT be in force. This game will NOT be all ticket and tickets will not be available for sale prior to the game. Spectators should therefore pay their admission at the appropriate turnstile. To gain entry to the ground, ALL spectators should use the four turnstiles to the left on the clubhouse, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. Inside the ground, ALL spectators will be allowed access to all parts of the ground. Again following discussions with Essex Police, the Club are mindful of the limited parking we have available at the ground. Following the advice received from Essex Police, the Club have decided to charge for entry into the car park - with a flat rate of £2 for all users. Essex Police have also suggested that the car park be closed prior to kick-off to ensure that there is no congestion between pedestrian spectators and vehicles. This early closing of the car park will be subject to an on-going review, but will dictate that no vehicles will be allowed entry into the car park after 2.30pm on Saturday. Admission prices for the match can be found by clicking the 'Tickets' link above. Spectators wishing to sit in the Main Stand will be asked to pay an additional £1. A full colour 40-page matchday programme will be on sale inside the ground adjacent to the turnstiles for just £2. Those travelling to the Amlin Stadium for the first time can find more information on how best to travel by clicking on the 'Find Us' link above. The Clubhouse at the Amlin Stadium can be accessed from inside the ground. For further information, please contact the Club on 01376 345617. COUNCIL APPROVE LOAN OFFER Braintree Council agree to loan Club - up to £150,000 towards ground improvements At last Monday evening's Braintree District Council Full Council meeting, all councillors voted to support the Council Cabinet's recommendation to offer the Club a loan facility of up to £150,000. The loan will used to assist the Club in meeting the cost of the ground improvements necessary to ensure that the Amlin Stadium meets the Football Association's 'A' grade. The 'A' grade is a requirement for all clubs in the Blue Square Bet Premier and all works must be completed by 31 March. Chairman Lee Harding was pleased with the Council's latest offer of help: "I'd like to thank Braintree District Council for their help with the loan facility. I was delighted to see all members supporting the Club and I was particular heartened by the words of support for the Club from Councillors Butland, Lager, Barlow and Rice. We now have the planning permission and most of the money necessary to complete the works. All we need to do now is focus on raising the remaining £25,000 ourselves and we can secure our future. The ball is very much in our half now!" McDONALD SECURES IRON POINT Nathan keeps them out late on - after Yiadom cracker puts Iron ahead Braintree Town had goalkeeper Nathan McDonald to thank for securing a point from their 500-mile round trip to Gateshead on Saturday. Despite recovering from going a goal down, ten minutes before the interval, to take a second half lead - Iron had to withstand a concerted home assault in the last twenty minutes to finish all square. On a particularly heavy playing surface, following the heavy over-night rain, both sides struggled to assert themselves during the opening half hour. But Gateshead took the lead with a well-worked goal, ten minutes before the break when Micky Cummins headed home at the near post from Chris Carruthers left wing cross. But Iron were quickly in to their stride after the break and were awarded a penalty in the opening sixty seconds of the second half. Aswad Thomas tucked the ball into Sean Marks twelve yards from goal and, despite having his back to goal, Marks was bundled to the ground by a clumsy challenge from home keeper Jak Alnwick. Referee Simpson immediately pointed to the spot and Jai Reason stepped up to tuck the ball past Alnwick from the resultant spot kick. The home side were on their heels and Braintree took the lead with a cracking goal on 55 minutes. Ben Wright and Reason combined well on the left to set up Andy Yiadom and the diminutive Iron winger lifted an inch-perfect chip over Alnwick into the far right corner from the edge of the box to give his side a deserved lead. But just when Iron looked to be taking control of the game, they conceded and this set up a late rally for the home side. Breaking on the left, the ball was pulled back across the Braintree 18-yard box for Martin Britain to drill his effort passed McDonald from 20 yards. The home side then pushed players forwards and, with 15 minutes remaining Gateshead looked set to score when Jon Shaw shot from close range only to be denied by a superb reflex McDonald save to concede a corner. From the resultant corner McDonald again had to be at his best to deny Shaw to retain his side's parity. But it all looked in vain in the fourth minute of the five added when substitute Chris Moore's free kick found Ben Clark unmarked but McDonald was again equal to Clark's header, parrying and then grasping the free ball to secure Iron a point. After the game Iron boss Alan Devonshire was pragmatic: "Neither side really got going first half, but we responded well to going behind. It was good the get back on terms early and then Andy's goal was straight out of the top drawer. But we again conceded too quickly for my liking and the back four and Nathan had to dig in to earn a point. We've got a fortnight off now - the lads will be working very hard in training and I'll be assessing the squad and making changes where needed." PLANNING APPLICATION DECISION ANNOUNCED Application - is granted! Braintree Town Football Club have received notification from Braintree District Council about its planning application. The application for the ground improvements necessary to ensure the Club can remain in the Blue Square Bet Premier Division had been granted. The Club will now be looking at its fixtures over the coming weeks and months to schedule works to ensure all improvements are completed by 31 March 2012, but with as little disruption as possible to spectators. Chairman Lee Harding was delighted: "We had been led to believe that we should expect to hear some news by the middle of this month, but I'd like to thank all at Braintree Council for the speed with which they have dealt with our application. Throughout the entire consultation process, there have been no objections and this decision is a major step forward for us. It's great to know that everyone in the town and district is behind us. From today, the clock is ticking and we all know what we've got to do to secure our future." SIX IRON STARS IN ENGLAND SQUADS Two in the full squad joined by - four more in contingency squad Six Braintree Town players have been rewarded for their excellent starts to the season by being selected for inclusion in the full and contingency squads for England C's game in Gibraltar on Tuesday 15 November. Included in the full squad are both Iron captain Kenny Davis and fellow midfielder Jai Reason. In the contingency squad, they are joined by Ben Wright, Aswad Thomas, Andy Yiadom and Nathan McDonald. No other club has as many as six players selected by England C manager Paul Fairclough. Chairman Lee Harding was delighted for both the Club and his players: "I think it's a tremendous achievement for our club to have six players highlighted and rewarded in this way by the national side at our level. All six are included on merit and I know will cherish the recognition." IRON OUT OF THE FA CUP Despite Braintree goals aplenty - freak last minute effort puts Iron out Braintree Town enjoyed the briefest of interest in this season's FA Cup competition, going down by the odd goal in seven at Newport County in the Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday. Braintree enjoyed the best possible start when the Gwent side gifted them the lead. A poor goal kick from home keeper Danny Potter fell to Ben Wright who, after a quick one-two with Sean Marks, drilled his effort past Potter into the top left corner from the edge of the box. Newport County levelled on 25 minutes when Tom Miller's ball in from the left was tucked past Nathan McDonald by Sam Foley and, after the break Newport took the lead on 54 minutes. A long ball from deep was crossed by Foley to the unmarked Craig McAllister to head just inside the far left upright. But Braintree responded and, after 65 minutes, Ben Wright's corner was header past Potter by Andy Yiadom - who rose superbly to level the scoring. With fifteen minutes remaining Newport added a third when McAllister set up substitute Nat Jarvis to make it 3-2, but Kenny Davis levelled for Braintree with the goal of the game on 86 minutes with an inch-perfect lob from the edge of the box which dipped over Potter. But relief turned to despair for the Braintree fans and players as a freak last minute goal settled the tie. Picking possession deep on the right, County's Paul Rogers pumped a hopeful ball into the Braintree six yard box and it dropped agonisingly over McDonald, but just inside the far left upright to finish the game at 4-3. After the game Iron boss Alan Devonshire was disappointed: "Once again we've scored some great goals today, but we've not defended well. This cannot continue and I will be making changes over the coming few weeks." |