Striker returns for his third - spell at Cressing Road Braintree Town manager Robbie Garvey has added former Iron striker Bertie Brayley to his squad for this evening's Blue Square South trip to Thurrock. The 28-year old forward is, of course, well known to the Cressing Road faithful having been part of the Braintree Town side that reached the Blue Square South Play-Off Final in 2007 and has recently represented both Bishop's Stortford and Chelmsford City. IRON DENIED BY DOVER KEEPER Ross Flitney denies both - Purcell and Martin Braintree Town made the journey down to the Kent coast to visit Dover Athletic for another Blue Square South match on Saturday afternoon and came home with a point from an entertaining goal-less draw. In front of over a thousand spectators at Dover's Crabble ground, the home side enjoyed arguably the better of the first forty-five minutes, while Iron were in control for much of the second half. Dover's Adam Birchall squandered an early opportunity to put the home side ahead before Sean Marks saw his header fail to hit the target after 20 minutes. After the break both sides pushed forward, but the introduction of the pacey Robbie Martin as a substitute on the hour saw Braintree take the initiative. After 65 minutes a defence splitting pass from Martin set up Sean Marks who in turn released George Purcell on the edge of the box. Purcell unleashed a stinging drive, but Dover keeper Ross Flitney pulled off a superb diving save to palm the ball wide for a corner. Iron continued to push forward with both Brad Quinton and Purcell testing the home defence with free-kicks from the edge of the 18-yard box. In time added on Martin could have stole all three points, but his low drive was again well saved by Flitney. The draw leaves Iron level on points with fifth placed Eastleigh, but still with either one or two matches in hand over the sides immediately above them. Next up for Braintree is another important Blue Square South fixture at fellow play-off hopefuls Thurrock this coming Tuesday evening, with kick-off at 7.45pm. ROBBIE MARTIN RETURNS Another of our 'champions' - returns to Cressing Road Braintree Town have re-signed popular right winger Robbie Martin following his release by Havant & Waterlooville. The 25-year old, a member of our 2006 championship-winning squad, completed the necessary paperwork late on Friday afternoon and made his second 'debut' coming on as a second half substitute at Newport County on Saturday. LEADERS HALT IRON PROGRESS Scrambled goal the difference - between the two sides The Iron made the long journey to South Wales to visit leaders Newport County and came home beaten by the only goal of the game. A well organised Iron side kept the division's top side well under control during the first half and looked to be getting on top after the break. But the Welsh side scored somewhat against the run of play when a free kick was lifted into the Braintree penalty area from wide on the right and stabbed home after a scramble by Newport's Sam Foley. Iron pushed forward late on and came close through both Reece Harris and Sean Marks but couldn't find a way to break down a well-organised County defence. Next up for Braintree is another Blue Square South trip, this time to Dover Athletic on Saturday, 6th March, with kick-off at 3pm. BRAINTREE BACK UP TO THIRD Iron break stubborn defence - but Weymouth respond to earn a poin Braintree Town made the 400-mile round trip to Weymouth on Tuesday for their re-arranged Blue Square South fixture and returned home with a point from a bizarre 1-1 draw. Nathan McDonald came in for the rested Graig Holloway and Joe Bruce switched to right back, Tom Champion back to centre half as Brad Quinton came back into the central midfield role. Iron spent the first 70 minuters of the match patiently trying to find a way to unlock a particularly defensive minded home side that lined up in a 5-4-1 formation, that often had ten men behind the ball. The home side rarely threatened but Braintree finally found a way through the stubborn Weymouth defence on 71 minutes. Pressure on the right eventually saw Brad Quinton break into the home 18-yard box and drill a stinging drive at keeper Tim Sandercombe. A momentary lapse saw the ball squirm free from the keeper's grasp and the alert George Purcell pounced to stab the ball home. With nothing to lose, Weymouth immediately threw players forward as they searched to get back into the game. Eight minutes from time, McDonald produced a stunning save at full stretch to deny a Nathan Davies effort but could do little to deny the equaliser in time added on. A cross from the left finding Matthew Groves unmarked and he steered his effort past McDonald into the top corner. The point moved Braintree back up to third, a point behind Chelmsford City, but still with two games in hand. Next up for Braintree is another Blue Square South trip, this time to Newport County on Saturday, 27th February, with kick-off at 3pm. The Chairman's free beer challenge moves on to Wales! OWN GOAL AND PENALTY MISS COST IRON Bromley gifted lead - but Gameo levels to secure point Braintree Town and Bromley shared the spoils in Saturday's Blue Square South match at Cressing Road, but it was the home side that gifted the visitors a point. A confident Iron side dominated for lengthy periods, but fell behind to a freak own goal. After 21 minutes, a rare Bromley attack saw a hopeful ball hoisted into the Braintree defence and Mark Jones's attempted clearance spooned over keeper Craig Holloway, but just under the bar. Eight minutes later Braintree were awarded a penalty. George Purcell broke into the visitors 18-yard box on the left and was scythed down by Bromley's Jerome Sobers, who was lucky to escape with just a booking. Purcell picked himself up, but his well struck penalty was cleared by the feet of Bromley keeper Gareth Williams. Braintree equalised after 36 minutes. Reece Harris broke on the left and passed to the unmarked Matt Game to slot home from close range. Just before the break, Harris was provider again, this time for Sean Marks, but his effort dipped just over. The second half saw almost consistent Braintree pressure. After 50 minutes Marks broke on the right, switched to Game and then Purcell. Purcell's effort was blocked and the rebound fell to Harris who shot just over. Purcell put another effort over on 65 minutes and looked set to score with five minutes remaining. Marks header set Purcell free and he surged into the box, but failed to keep his effort from zipping over. In time added on both sides hit the woodwork. First Bromley substitute Phil Ruggles hit the post with a long range effort and moments later Braintree substitute Rikki Burbridge's header smacked against the post. But both efforts went unrewarded as the game finished all square at 1-1. Teams: Braintree Town: Holloway, Peters (Quinton 58), Jones, Bruce, Goodacre, Champion, Mingle (Burbridge 78), Game, Purcell, Marks, Harris (Calver 58). Un-used subs: Dumas, Bruno. Bromley: Williams, Greene (Ruggles 45), Fray, Corneille, Sobers, Gillman, Ferguson (Farrar 90), Ibrahima, Butler (Carew 75), Hall, I'Anson. Un-used subs: Henriques, Daly. Referee: R Kendall. Attendance: 578. Next up for Braintree is a Blue Square South match at Weymouth this coming Tuesday evening, 23rd February, with kick-off at 7.45pm MARKS BRACE LIFTS IRON TO SECOND Subtle Garvey switch turns - defeat at Worcester into victory Braintree Town eased themselves up to second place in the Blue Square South table following Tuesday evening's odd goal in five victory at Worcester City. Iron took an eleventh minute lead: a Matt Game corner from the right was lifted into the home six yard box. Only half cleared, the ball fell to Jacob Mingle who slammed his volley into the roof of the net. The home side responded five minutes later. A shot from Rob Elvins was well stopped by Craig Holloway, but the Iron keeper was powerless to prevent Aaron Farrell heading home the rebound. Worcester took the lead five minutes after the break. A cross from the right found its way to the unmarked Josh Emery and he steered his well placed shot past the exposed Holloway from the edge of the box. Iron remained positive and a subtle switch in formations from Iron manager Robbie Garvey saw Braintree take the game to the home side in the last twenty minutes. On 76 minutes Holloway's free-kick from deep inside his own half was touched on by Game and lifted over the stranded home keeper Jake Meredith by Sean Marks from the edge of the box. Spurred on by this, Iron dominated and grabbed the winner in the fourth minute of time added on. Mark Clyde gifted Braintree a free-kick wide on the right of the home 18-yard box. Brad Quinton stepped up to whip and inch-perfect free-kick to Sean Marks who glanced his header past the stranded Meredith to send the thirty or so travelling Braintree fans home happy! Next up for Braintree is another Blue Square South match at home to Bromley this coming Saturday, 20th February, with kick-off at 3pm. PLAYER NEWS & FREE BEER Two more join the squad - and one out on loan Braintree Town manager Robbie Garvey made three changes to his squad prior to Saturday's match with Dover. Iron have signed left back Ashley Dumas from Billericay Town and free agent Rikki Burbridge who plays in midfield, while Lynvall Duncan has joined fellow Blue Square South side Bishop's Stortford on loan. Donations from the Supporters Club hit four figures yesterday afternoon and chairman Lee Harding was delighted: "The help we're getting from the Supporters Club is making a big difference and is allowing us to help Garvs bring in fresh legs at just the right time. As a way of saying thank you, I'll buy each supporter that makes the journey to Worcester on Monday evening a beer - see me in the bar!" DOVER OFFSIDE TRAP HALTS BRAINTREE Matt Game scores again - but Dover take the points Dover came from behind to end Braintree's 13 game unbeaten run on Saturday. The game burst into life in the opening minute when first Dover's Shaun Welford saw his shot blocked by Braintree keeper Craig Holloway and the rebound saw Braintree break with a Reece Harris cross finding Sean Marks unmarked at the far post, but his effort was cleared off the line. A neat passing move saw Dover open up the Braintree defence on 8 minutes, but Welford's shot zipped just wide of the upright from the edge of the box. Braintree responded four minutes later when Matt Game's cross was met on the volley by Brad Quinton, but his shot dipped just over. Quinton tried his luck again with a free kick from almost 40 yards but his effort was well saved by Dover keeper Ross Flitney. On the half hour Braintree took the lead. Mark Jones pass found Quinton on the left and he pulled the ball back for Game to sweep the ball home from the edge of the box into the far right corner. But Dover responded within two minutes when a corner from the left was swept to the far post and whipped back in for Adam Birchall to head just inside the far post. Just before the break George Purcell broke on the right, cut inside before drilling his shot, only to see Flitney palm the ball away for a corner. The second half saw Braintree too often frustrated by Dover's offside trap, while Dover looked lively from set pieces. On 48 minutes Marks had the ball in the back of the net but had his effort ruled out for offside. Four minutes later Marks saw his effort blocked and Purcell's follow-up cleared for a corner. Dover caused Braintree problems with a succession of corners as the half wore on and Holloway had to be at his best to deny Nicky Southall. Purcell thought he had scored on the hour, but saw his effort ruled out for offside, while Birchall's volley after 66 minutes brought another superb save from Holloway. Dover grabbed the winner with ten minutes remaining. Another corner was only half cleared by the Braintree defence and Olly Schulz swept the ball home from wide of the far post. Teams: Braintree Town: Holloway, Peters, Jones (Calver 85), Bruce, Goodacre, Quinton (Mingle 82), Champion, Game, Purcell, Marks, Harris. Un-used subs: Dumas, Bruno, McDonald. Dover: Flitney, Walder, Hill, Leach, Schulz, Morre (Adelakun 64), Wallis, Southall, Welford, Collin (Cumbers 70), Birchall. Subs: Abnet, Rogers, Whitehouse. Referee: A Quelch. Star man: Purcell. Attendance: 718. Next up for Braintree is a trip to visit Worcester City in another Blue Sqaure South fixture this coming Monday evening, 15th February with kick-off at 7.45pm. Don't forget the free beer! IRON INTO TOP THREE Gameo header sets up - three points against Weston Braintree Town moved up to third in the Blue Square South table with a hard fought but ultimately comfortable single-goal victory over a battling Weston-super-Mare side at Cressing Road on Tuesday evening. Although the visitors had their fair share of possession, it was Iron who created the better chances. After ten minutes a Reece Harris free-kick created havoc for the visitors as it skidded through the Weston six-yard box before being frantically cleared for a corner, but the goal came six minutes later. George Purcell picked up possession just inside the visitors half and swept a lofted ball into the Weston penalty area for Matt Game to steer his header inside the far right hand upright. On the half hour Purcell broke on the left and cut inside before his effort was deflected over for a corner. After the break Iron continued to push forward with Weston looking lively on the break. After 59 minutes Purcell unlocked the Weston defence, raced into the visitors 18 yard box and unleashed a stinging drive, only to see it desperately palmed away by Weston keeper Kevin Sawyer. Five minutes later Brad Quinton tried his luck from all of thirty yards, but again Sawyer was equal to it as he conceded a corner. Harris could have doubled Iron's advantage with fifteen minutes remaining as he broke into the Weston 18-yard box on the left, but his shot was well save by Sawyer. Iron held on comfortably for the remainder and the victory leaves them two points adrift of second place, with four games in hand. Next up for Iron is the visit of fifth placed Dover Athletic for another Blue Square South match this coming Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm. STRIKER JOINS ON LOAN Iron bring in centre-forward - from Southend United Braintree Town have signed centre forward Craig Calver on loan from Coca Cola League One side Southend United. The nineteen year old striker scored 23 goals for the Shrimpers youth team last season and was promoted to the Southend first team squad for the current season. He will be available for selection for this evening's Blue Square South match with Weston-super-Mare. LEWES FIGHT BACK TO DENY IRON Blistering first half from Braintree - but Iron have to settle for a point Braintree made the journey down to the Sussex coast to visit Lewes's Dripping Pan ground and returned home with a point from an end-to-end 2-2 draw. In another game of two halves, Braintree played some of their best football of the season to take a two-goal lead before a soft reply gave the home side hope just before the break. Reece Harris came back into the starting line-up and his surging runs on the left caused Lewes problems. After just six minutes an inch-perfect Harris cross from the left found Sean Marks unmarked at the far post and the Iron striker calmly headed home with the keeper stranded. Braintree doubled their lead on 28 minutes. George Purcell picked up possession just inside the Lewes half and broke with pace toward the home 18 yard box. He evaded two challenges before drilling a stinging drive between the keeper and his near post from the left of the home 18-yard box. Lewes were rarely a threat in the first half as Sean Marks and Matt Game created chances to extend the Iron lead, but a corner for the home side moments before the break provided a lifeline for the Sussex club. It was hoisted into the Braintree six-yard box where central defender Joe Keehan headed down and his header bounced back over Craig Holloway but crept in, just under the bar. The second half saw Lewes play with a little more belief and purpose. Holloway had to be at his best to deny a fierce Ross Sutton effort on 54 minutes, while Iron could have extended their lead on 81 minutes. Mike Power released Purcell who broke into the home 18 yard box but his effort zipped into the side netting. Holloway pulled off another fine save moments later from a looping Sutton header, but could do little to deny a speculative effort from Keeham with just four minutes remaining - that dipped just under the bar from the edge of the box. The point leaves Iron in seventh place, three points off second place, but with three or four games in hand above the five sides immediately above them. After the game Iron Manager Robbie Garvey was upbeat: "We dominated the first half and created enough chances to put the result beyond doubt, but the goal just before the break gave the home side hope. They're fighting for their lives and came at us second half. I felt we'd done enough, but they'll probably think they deserved their equaliser. With many of the sides around us also drawing, Tuesday's game with Weston starts a run where we play catch up with our fixtures and try to close the gap at the top." So a reminder that next up for Iron is the visit of Weston-super-Mare for another Blue Square South match this coming Tuesday evening, 9th February, with kick-off at 7.45pm. SUPPORTERS CLUB INITIATIVE WELCOMED Supporters Club rally to help - Garv's push for promotion The Board of Directors and Manager Robbie Garvey were delighted with the latest Supporters Club initiative to fund an increase in the Club's playing budget for the next six weeks. The Supporters Club are looking to put in place various fund raising ideas to help the Club bring in an additional player for the forthcoming busy spell of fixtures. Chairman Lee Harding was pleased: "We may not be the biggest club in the world, but one thing we certainly are is a united club. From top to bottom it is great to see us all pulling together and working hard to give us the best chance of challenging for a promotion place. The last few weeks have seen supporters, team management and directors side by side working hard on the pitch to get games played. The Supporters Club's latest efforts are a real shot in the arm for the Club. If it proves to be successful, the Board will then review the increased budget for the remainder of the season." Iron Manager Robbie Garvey was just as pleased: "We've got a sensible playing budget and have been able to compete this season. There are no guarantees in football, but this extra boost could make all the difference during what may prove to be a make or break spell in our fixtures. You all know me by now, the extra money will be used wisely and I'll make sure we get maximum benefit from it. Well done to Supporters Club Chairman Gordon Humphris and all the supporters that have backed the idea." PURCELL WONDER GOAL SINKS CARDS Cast Iron defence sets up - cracking finishing from Georgie A game of two halves at Cressing Road saw Braintree better before the break and Woking come on strong during the second half. Early on Braintree looked lively. After 14 minutes Brad Quinton's corner was half cleared to Mark Jones, but his effort from 25 yards zipped just over. Moments later Ryan Peter's cross from the right found Sean Marks unmarked at the far post but his header dipped just over. On the half hour Peters was again provider as his clearance found George Purcell, but Purcell fired over. Woking's best chance of the first half came just before the break when a frantic spell of head tennis finished with Tom Hutchinson heading over. After the break Woking took the game to Braintree. On 55 minutes, a mazey run from Ademola Moses saw him un-lock the home defence, but his shot was deflected for a corner. A minute later Woking's Harry Arter tried his luck from 25 yards, but Braintree keeper Craig Holloway was equal to it. As the half wore on, Braintree came back into the game. On 64 minutes a break by Mike Power released Purcell on the left who beat his marker before firing his effort just wide of the far upright. But Purcell was not to be denied and scored a wonder goal to secure the three points four minutes later. Peters whipped a ball into the Woking 18 yard box, Quinton controlled for Purcell who turned on a sixpence before firing the ball into the top left hand corner. Woking pushed on looking for the equaliser late on, but struggled to break down the composed Braintree defence. After the game Iron manager Robbie Garvey was pleased: "A great result for us against a good side that will be up there at the end of the season. Credit also to our groundsman Andy Green and his staff for getting the game on." Teams: Braintree Town: Holloway, Peters, Jones, Champion, Goodacre, Quinton, Mingle (Bruno 80), Game, Power, Marks (Harris 85), Purcell. Subs not used: Bruce, Duncan, McDonald. Woking: Worner, Sinclair, Thomas, Ricketts (Maledon 25), Hutchinson, Boardman, Sole, Arter, Wright (Slabber 66), Moses (Sam-Yorke 73), Nicolau. Subs not used: Anane, Sloma. Referee: N Field. Attendance: 654. Next up for Braintree is a Blue Square South trip to Lewes this coming Saturday, 6th February, with kick-off at 3pm. FIXTURE UPDATE Easter game date switch - and trip to Havant re-arranged Braintree Town have arranged two new dates for forthcoming Blue Square South fixtures. The Club have agreed with Welling United to bring forward their match at Easter 24 hours from the originally scheduled date of Saturday, 3rd April to Good Friday, 2nd April, with kick-off remaining at 3pm. The Blue Square South match at Havant & Waterlooville, originally scheduled for last Saturday, 23rd January, has now been re-arranged for Monday, 22nd March, with kick-off at 7.45pm. IRON OFF AGAIN Trip to Havant - swamped off by the rain Despite the best efforts of the Havant & Waterlooville groundstaff, Saturday's Blue Square South match at West Leigh Park was postponed as a local referee decided that the pitch was waterlogged when he inspected the pitch at 9am on Saturday morning. A new date for our trip to Havant is likely to be set at the end of March or in early April. Next up for Braintree is the visit of second placed Woking to Cressing Road this coming Saturday afternoon, with kick-off at 3pm. While Woking sit six points clear of Braintree, Iron do have three games in hand. The two sides drew 0-0 when they met at Kingfield in late October. NEW DATE FOR WESTON VISIT Weston match re-arranged - for second Tuesday in February Braintree Town's Blue Square South fixture at home to Weston-super-Mare has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 9th February, with kick-off at 7.45pm. FRIENDLY FOR TONIGHT IS ON Pitch is playable for - Sudbury to visit tonight Groundsman Andy Green has confirmed that the Cressing Road pitch is playable for this evening's friendly match with AFC Sudbury. Admission is free and kick-off is at 7.30pm. FIXTURE UPDATE Trip to Maidenhead in March - and dates offered to Weston Braintree Town's Blue Square South fixture at Maidenhead United has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 16th March, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Club Secretary Tom Woodley has advised that the dates of Tuesday, 26th January and Tuesday 9th February have been offered to Weston-super-Mare as a new date for their Blue Square South visit, to replace the match postponed last Saturday. WESTON MATCH POSTPONED Despite best efforts - Saturday's match is off Despite the best efforts of Andy Green and all the pitch helpers, the second pitch inspection this morning saw the referee deem the pitch to be unfit, especially given the rain forecast today. Therefore the match with Weston-super-Mare is postponed and will be arranged for a later date - more news on that when we have it. NEW SIGNING IS JUST CHAMPION! Centre half joins - the Braintree squad Braintree Town have signed centre half Tom Champion from Blue Square South neighbours Bishop's Stortford. Tom joined Bishop's Stortford from Barnet in 2005 where made several first team appearances. Still only 23 years of age, Tom is equally at home in midfield, played over 100 first team games for the Woodside Park side and was part of the Bishop's Stortford team that reached the semi-finals of the Blue Square South Play-offs in 2007. Iron Manager Robbie Garvey was delighted with his latest edition: "Tom is a player I've had my eye on all season. He has done well at Stortford and was part of that very effective central defensive partnership with Paul Goodacre. With Lynvall Duncan and Tom Bruce, I now have plenty of competition for the back four, with the added bonus that they can all play in different positions." TRIP TO MAIDENHEAD OFF FA Trophy postponement dictates that - Blue Sqauare South match is off As a result of the postponement of today's (Saturday, 9th January) FA Trophy tie between Maidenhead United and Barrow, this match will now be re-scheduled for this coming Tuesday, 12th January. As a result, our scheduled Blue Square South fixture at Maidenhead United that evening has been postponed. More news on a new date when we have it. Next up for Braintree is a Blue Square South fixture at home to Weston-super-Mare, this coming Saturday, 16th January. Although still a week away, this match is in some doubt given the current cold weather. If there is a thaw next week, the Club would be grateful for any help that supporters can give on Thursday and Friday in clearing snow from the pitch to ensure that the Cressing Road pitch is not waterlogged. More news on that as we get nearer to our next match. FIXTURE UPDATE Two Blue Square South trips - re-arranged for dates in February Braintree Town have arranged new dates for their two outstanding Blue Square South fixtures. The trip to Worcester City, originally scheduled for Saturday, 9th January but postponed because of Worcester's FA Trophy commitments that day, has been re-arranged for the evening of Monday, 15th February, with kick-off at 7.45pm. The trip to Weymouth, originally scheduled for Saturday, 19th December but postponed because of a frozen pitch that day, has been re-arranged for the evening of Tuesday, 23rd February, with kick-off at 7.45pm. IRON COAST AGAINST NINE MAN STORTFORD Lette Jallow and Riddle both off - as Power & Marks secure the points Braintree extended their festive run to seven wins and a draw from the eight Christmas matches over the past four years against Bishop's Stortford, with New Year's Day's two-goal victory at Cressing Road. Braintree dominated early on with Mike Power seeing his header well saved by Stortford keeper Nicky Eyre after just eight minutes and Eyre had to be at his best to deny George Purcell three minutes later. Power saw another shot blocked after 13 minutes, while Charlie Sheringham had his effort well saved by Craig Holloway three minutes later. After 17 minutes a defence-splitting ball from Brad Quinton released Sean Marks behind the Stortford defence. Lai Bas Lette Jallow tried to intercept but fouled Marks and the Stortford defender was dismissed. After 23 minutes Quinton's free-kick was lifted into the Stortford penalty area for Power who saw his header just wide of the upright. After 27 minutes Braintree took the lead. Matt Game broke on the right and released Power who swept inside past Eyre before slotting his shot from wide on the right just inside the far upright. On 35 minutes Marks broke on the right and crossed for Game. Set to score, Game was scythed down by Louis Riddle who conceded the penalty and became the second Stortford player to be dismissed. Brad Quinton saw his penalty zip just wide of the upright but, within three minutes, Braintree went further ahead. With nine-man Stortford's defence in disarray, Mark Jones' pass found Marks on the edge of the penalty area and he steered his effort past the stranded Eyre. After the break Braintree dominated. After 52 minutes Quinton shot just wide from Tom Bruno's corner. On 64 minutes Power sprang the Stortford offside trap, rounded Eyre, only to see his shot cleared off the line by Stortford's Stevland Angus. After 75 minutes, a Purcell free-kick flashed just wide of Eyre's right post, while Bruno saw his snap shot dip just over two minutes later as Braintree coasted to victory. Star man: Paul Goodacre. Attendance: 994. Teams: Braintree Town: Holloway, Peters, Jones, Goodacre, Bruce, Quinton, Mingle (Rhodes, 84), Game (Bruno, 45), Purcell, Power, Marks (Harris 53). Subs not used: Duncan, McDonald. BishopÕs Stortford: Eyre, Nunn, Palmer, Lette Jallow, Angus, Champion, Lathrope, Southam, Brayley (Essandoh 83), Sheringham (Shulton 67), Riddle. Subs not used: M. Jones, Sulaimon, R. Jones. Referee: E. Kaye. IRON DENIED IN LATE RALLY Braintree recover - to almost beat Hampton Braintree Town and visitors Hamptron & Richmond Borough shared the spoils in Christmas Bank Holiday Monday's Blue Square South fixture at Cressing Road. Iron were second best for most of the first half. After nine minutes Craig Holloway had to be at his best to deny a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box from Hampton's Dave Tarpey, but the visitors were good value for their lead on 29 minutes. A Hampton free-kick was only half cleared to the waiting Karl Beckford who volleyed past the stranded Holloway from all of 25 yards. After the break Iron took the game to Hampton and a switch in formation saw the visitors defence finally crack. After 79 minutes, an inch-perfect ball in from deep on the right from George Purcell was steered home by Mike Power. Thereafter, Braintree laid seige to the visitors' goal and could have snatched a late winner. In time added on, George Purcell launched a stinging free-kick from the edge of the box that Hampton keeper Matt Lovett performed heroics to palm over for a corner, but the draw was a fair reflection on the game. Next up for Iron is a visit from near-neighbours Bishop's Stortford to Cressing Road on New Year's Day - Friday, 1st January - with kick-off at 3pm. A120 MATCH ENDS GOAL-LESS Dour local derby - provides a point each Braintree Town travelled the short distance down the A120 to visit near-neighbours Bishop's Stortford for a Boxing Day Blue Square South fixture and came home with a point from a goal-less draw. In a match that rarely matched the entertainment generated by previous meetings, the home side had the better of the first half, while Iron looked lively after the break. The two best chances came before the half-time interval. After twenty minutes a Reece Harris cross from the left flank found the unmarked Sean Marks, but he saw his header dip just over. At the other end Craig Holloway had to be at his best to deny a header from Stortford's Tom Champion four minutes before the break. After half-time neither side could find a way through, with defences on top, but the three minutes of time added on saw vociferous penalty appeals for both sides. First Glen Southam stumbled in the Braintree 18-yard box and then, moments later, George Purcell was up-ended at the other end, but neither incident generated a penalty and the game finished all-square. Next up for Braintree is the visit of Hampton & Richmond Borough this coming Christmas Holiday Monday, 28th December for another Blue Square South match with kick off at 3pm. WEYMOUTH MATCH POSTPONED Wessex Stadium pitch - fails to thaw Braintree Town's Blue Square South trip to Weymouth was postponed at 11.45am on Saturday morning after a local referee adjudged the Wessex Stadium pitch to be unplayable. By that time the Team Coach had already reached within an hour of the ground. No new date has yet been agreed for the match. Next up for Iron is a trip to near-neighbours Bishop's Stortford on Boxing Day, with this match scheduled to kick-off at 1.30pm. MASCOT COMPETITION The competition is now closed. FIXTURE CHANGES Trip to Worcester postponed - new date for trip to Maidenhead Braintree Town's Blue Square South fixture away to Worcester City, scheduled for Saturday, 9th January, has been postponed as the St. George's Lane club are involved in FA Trophy action that day. More news on a new date when we have it. Our Blue Square South trip to Maidenhead United, postponed because of our involvement in the Essex Senior Cup, has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, 12th January, with kick-off at 7.45pm. BRAINTREE TOWN UNVEIL PLANS TO UPGRADE CRESSING ROAD Club planning for progress off the pitch - as well as on it! Braintree Town have unveiled a further series of ground improvements to their Cressing Road ground as they strive to ensure that the Club would be eligible to remain in the Blue Square Premier should they be promoted in the future. The two teams promoted to the Blue Square Premier Division at the end of each season must have the full FA 'B' grading in place by 31 Match and then only have a further twelve months, until the following 31 March, to complete any upgrades necessary to secure The Football Association's 'A' grading. One of the important improvements Braintree Town have to complete to achieve the 'A' grading is to increase the number of operational turnstiles at their Cressing Road stadium from the existing six to eight. One of the methods of calculating a stadium's capacity is the number of turnstiles. For the purposes of calculating the entry capacity, the upper limit is set at 660 persons per turnstile (or other entry point) per hour. The 'A' grade requires a capacity of 4,000 with the potential to increase to 5,000 and The FA state that there must be at least 8 spectator entrances to control the ingress of spectators. The Club's thinking at this time is that the two new turnstiles and a new set of exit gates would be positioned to the Quag End side of the main stand. Adjacent to these new turnstiles and gates the Club are planning to put new toilet facilities for both men and women in place, together with space allocated for a mobile catering unit when that part of the ground is segregated. To provide access to and from these new turnstiles and exit gates it is the Club's intention to provide a new two-metre wide walkway behind the main stand that will also act as hard standing for those spectators that wish to watch the games on the Club's second pitch. This will then allow the Club to segregate the ground more readily, with the designated area for the visitors likely to be the terrace to the right of the main stand and, if necessary, the Quag End. The Club are also looking at the possibility of increasing the capacity of the Quag End of the ground. The idea at this time is to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a new terrace, similar in design and style to that at the Club End of the ground, but increased to the full width of the 18-yard box and twice as deep. This would increase the capacity of the ground to some 4,500. The Club are also looking at its floodlighting system. The existing system was erected 42 years ago and gives a lux of just over the required 250, but a new lighting system is one of the ground improvements that could be initiated at Cressing Road and then taken to a new stadium in the future. The other items the Club are currently reviewing are as follows: - new hospitality room to rear of stand; - surfacing of parking for cars and coaches; - installation of CCTV system; - installation of crush barriers; - provision of stadium control room; - work on existing terraces and walkways around the pitch; - pitch perimeter barriers; - improvements to dressing rooms; - additional toilets for spectators, including facilities for people with disabilities; - upgrade emergency stadium lighting; - computerised systems to monitor turnstiles; - provision of first-aid room; - upgrade to public announcement system; - new dressing room for female match officials; - stadium segregation gates; and - upgrade of stewards' radios. The Club are currently liaising with contractors and hope to be in a position to lodge a planning application with Braintree District Council for certain improvements early in the New Year. The Club are also looking at options for funding the improvements. Chairman Lee Harding explained: "Planning for our progress off the pitch is just as important as the planning for what happens on it. We have an inspection visit from The Football Association's ground grading inspectors just before Christmas to ensure that we have maintained our full 'B' grade and to advise us what will be necessary to achieve an 'A' grade. There is no point in our working towards promotion to the Blue Square Premier if we do not have the facilities in place to allow us to stay there. The sale of the two-thirds of an acre of the Club's site in 2007 provided revenue to complete improvements to our Cressing Road ground that allowed us to obtain our 'B' grade. This has allowed us to remain at Blue Square South level, following our promotion from the Ryman League as champions in 2006. It also allows us to be promoted to the Blue Square Premier, if and when the opportunity comes, but we do need to spend up to £600,000 on further improvements to allow us to remain at that higher level. The past three seasons have seen us reach the end of season promotion play-offs twice and we go into the Christmas programme in fourth place following Tuesday evening's 2-0 victory over Bath City. We're not taking anything for granted, but if we were to win our games in hand over the sides immediately above us we could be second. Leaders Newport County are have a good season to date, but I know that our Manager Robbie Garvey has not yet given up hope of challenging for the top spot. More so as we are yet to play the Welsh side home or away this season and Newport County are to come to Cressing Road for our last game! The latest set of ground improvements would upgrade our Cressing Road stadium further to meet the entry requirements for the Football League. Despite that, we remain committed to relocating to a new stadium and still have hopes that this could become reality in the next three to five years. We're obviously biased, but we do regard the progress the Football Club has made over the past five years as a Braintree success story. I believe that this progress has been recognised by Braintree District Council, as they have included a commitment to relocation as part of their Draft Core Strategy for the future of the town. The Board have committed to introducing a further £60,000 next year and we will be talking with the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, who could give us a grant of up to £150,000, but that obviously leaves a shortfall. So we have recently had a series of meetings with Braintree District Council and have written to Cllr Graham Butland, the Leader of the Council, to seek his help, advice and guidance on securing a grant from our local authority towards the cost. It is early days in our discussions on the way forward, but we have been encouraged by the fact that our initial enquiries about help from Braintree District Council have not been dismissed out of hand. We're putting in all we can to make it happen at the Club, but we could do with some help from the town we are proud to represent." PURCELL BLASTS IRON UP TO FOURTH Brace from lively forward - puts Braintree into play-off spot Iron moved up to fourth place in the Blue Square South table, still with as many as two games in hand over the sides above them, following Tuesday evening's convincing two-goal victory over in-form Bath City. The Twerton Park club made much of the early running as both sides struggled to cope with the heavy pitch and the returning Craig Holloway had to pull off a stunning save after just twelve minutes to deny a blistering drive from Bath City's former Latvian international Andrejs Stolcers. But Iron gradually came into the game as the first half wore on and never looked back after taking a 21st minute lead. Bath City's Stuart Douglas up-ended Jacob Mingle just outside the visitors' 18-yard box and George Purcell stepped up to drill the resultant free-kick zipping across the wet turf into the bottom right corner, passed the motionless Bath City keeper Ryan Robinson. Two minutes before the interval Purcell added his second. Joe Bruce's telling pass from inside his own half released George who, having cut inside from the right flank, despatched another Purcell exocet missile passed the beleaguered Robinson. The second half saw Iron in complete control with the visitors rarely a threat. It was also good to see Brad Quinton return to the fray, coming on as a 75th minute substitute. Manager Robbie Garvey was delighted with the outcome: "Once we sorted out how to deal with their formation, we took the game to them. A couple of great strikes from George set us up but, with Craig coming back into the side, we were very solid from the back. I've also got to play tribute to groundsman Andy Green and his helpers. They've worked hard since Sunday morning to get the pitch playable and, after all the rain we've had since Saturday, the playing surface was a credit to them. The victory is as much theirs as ours in the dressing room." CRAIG HOLLOWAY RETURNS Last season's player of the year - returns to Cressing Road Braintree Town have re-signed last season's award-winning goalkeeper Craig Holloway following his departure from neighbours Chelmsford City. Craig played 45 successive matches for Iron last season before Nicky Morgan played the last two matches of the campaign. Such was Craig's consistent displays that he was rewarded with the Supporters Club Player of the Season award. 24-year old Craig joined Braintree in the summer of 2008 having previously played for Arsenal, Farnborough and Gravesend. Craig is eligible for selection for tonight's match with Bath City. Manager Robbie Garvey was delighted with his latest addition: "Craig did well for the Club last season and is regarded by many as the best keeper in the Blue Square South. He was our player of the year last season and when he contacted me to say he wanted to come back, I moved quickly to complete the paperwork." IRON HOLD ON IN FIVE GOAL THRILLER Three-up at the break - Weymouth battle back Braintree held on the win by the odd goal in five, having led 3-0 at the break. The Essex side got the perfect start when George Purcell broke free of the Weymouth offside trap and lobbed stranded Weymouth keeper Ryan Harrison from 25 yards after just two minutes. Ten minutes later Sean Marks was released in the Weymouth 18 yard box and rifled his shot passed Harrison but had his effort ruled out for offside. On 20 minutes Purcell crossed from the left flank for the unmarked Marks who headed home from close range through Harrison's hands. Weymouth's best effort came on the half hour when Josh Llewelyn released Jake Reid who saw his shot well saved by Braintree keeper David Blackmore. Ten minutes before the break Purcell shot just over from the edge of the box before adding Braintree's third on the stroke of half-time. Breaking from half-way, he raced to the edge of the visitors 18 yard box before drilling a stinging drive passed Harrison. After the break Braintree eased off and Weymouth came into the game. On 53 minutes Weymouth broke on the left, Matt Groves saw his effort come back off the bar, but Josh Llewwlyn followed up to score from close range. Weymouth pulled it back to 3-2 with fifteen minutes remaining. Lynvall Duncan was adjudged to have impeded Llewelyn and Jake Reid drilled his spot kick into the bottom right corner. The last fifteen saw both sides enjoy chances. On 77 minutes Matt Game saw his effort palmed over by Harrison and Duncan head against the bar from the resultant corner. On 83 minutes Blackmore had to be at his best to pull off a great save to deny Llewelyn, while Braintree substitute Reece Harris saw his mazey run ended by Harrison when it looked easier to score. But the Braintree defence held on to secure the three points. Next up for Braintree is another Blue Square South match at home to Bath City this coming Tuesday evening, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Star man: Jacob Mingle Entertainment rating out of 5: four. Attendance: 431. Teams: BRAINTREE TOWN: David Blackmore, Ryan Peters, Mark Jones, Lynvall Duncan, Paul Goodacre, Tom Bruno (Phil Starkey 66), Jacob Mingle, Matt Game, George Purcell, Sean Marks (Mike Power 80), Alex Rhodes (Reece Harris 45). Subs: Joe Bruce, Nathan McDonald. WEYMOUTH: Ryan Harrison, Jamie McGuiness, Martin Slocombe, Jamie Frampton, Scott Brice, Chris Allen, Matt Groves, Jordan Rose, Josh llewelyn, Jake Reid, Simon Radcliffe (Scott Dixon 87). Subs: Carl Foster, Robin Nicholls, Nathan Loader, Austin Byfield. Referee: D Blunden. MAIDENHEAD MATCH POSTPONED Blue Square South match off - as County Cup tie takes priority Club Secretary Tom Woodley was contacted by Essex FA Secretary Phil Sammons yesterday afternoon advising that Braintree would be liable to a four-figure fine if next Tuesday evening's Essex Senior Cup tie went ahead at the same time as our scheduled Blue Square South fixture at Maidenhead United. Aware that the deadline for the completion of this round of fixtures is Saturday 5 December, Tom Woodley did offer to travel to our Essex Senior Cup opponents on either Monday or Wednesday evening next week but they declined both options. As a result we accept that the County match has to be played next week, takes priority over our league fixture and we have therefore had to postpone this coming Tuesday evening's Blue Square South fixture at Maidenhead United. Chairman Lee Harding was disappointed: "We really do appreciate all the help we get from our friends at the County FA with arranging fixtures in what we regard as a particularly prestigious competition. They've always been very fair with us and they realise that we are behind with our Blue Square South fixtures. We know that the County FA bend over backwards to do everything in their power to help clubs like us with their league aspirations. We were aware that the County FA gave instructions that their Fourth Round had to be completed by Saturday 5th December so we asked our County Cup opponents if they could switch the game to another night, but they declined and I accepted that our match at Maidenhead had to be postponed. We are keen not to upset our friends at the County FA because the last time we incurred their wrath, we ended up being fined £2,900! But what did concern some supporters who spoke to me today was the news that our friends at Chelmsford City, Grays Athletic and Dagenham & Redbridge, who all have league matches scheduled for next week, like Braintree, do appear to have been given some form of dispensation to play their County Cup games after the deadline on either Monday 7th or Tuesday 8th, but that this extension has not been offered to us at Braintree. I am sure that these other clubs have not been given an unfair advantage over us and that there is a perfectly acceptable explanation why they have been allowed to play their games after the deadline given." IRON POWER TO A POINT Braintree battle back to earn a point - with Mike Power grabbing the equaliser Braintree welcomed Eastleigh without the influential defenders Ryan Peters and Paul Goodacre, who were both suspended. Braintree's reorganised defence were on the back foot for most of the first half. On 12 minutes Eastleigh's Shaun McAuley saw his effort zip just wide of the upright. Braintree's Jon Keeling shot wide for Braintree after 25 Minutes, before Mark Jones had to clear off the line for Braintree to deny a header from Eastleigh's Steve Cook. On 35 minutes McAuley crossed for the unmarked Peter Adeniyi, but the Eastleigh midfield saw his tame header dip wide. Keeling saw his header hit the top of the Eastleigh cross bar a minute later, before Tom Jordan's header was tipped over by Braintree keeper Dave Blackmore four minutes before the break. Eastleigh took the lead early in the second half when Jamie Brown headed a lofted through ball past Blackmore at the far post. On the hour Eastleigh's Jamie White nearly doubled their advantage when his free-kick drew a superb reaction save from Blackmore. A double substitution breathed life into the Braintree side with forward Mike Power's introduction proving decisive. On 74 minutes Matt Game's free-kick was slipped to George Purcell. His rasping drive was half cleared by Eastleigh keeper Steve Arnold and Power followed up to drill the ball home from close range. The remaining time saw Braintree camped in the Eastleigh half as they searched for the winner. Both Power and Sean Marks had long-range efforts denied by Arnold, but Eastleigh held on for a point. Next up for Braintree is a Blue Square South fixture at home to Weymouth this coming Saturday, 5th December, with kick-off at 3pm. Teams: Braintree Town: Blackmore, Game, Jones, Bruce, Duncan, Bruno (Starkey 64 mins), Mingle, Keeling (Power 64 mins), Purcell, Marks, Rhodes. Un-used subs: Emmanuel, Hughes, McDonald. Eastleigh: Arnold, Cook, Poate, Riviere, Jordan, Cook, Adeniyi, Smith, Brown, White (Matthews 80 mins), McAuley. Un-used subs: Goodhind, Day, Challis, Gillespie. Attendance: 454 - Referee: I F Bentley. IRON OUT OF THE TROPHY Adverse weather leaves - Iron with too much to do Braintree Town were knocked out of this season's FA Trophy, going down 2-1 at Blue Square South leaders Newport County on Saturday. But the game was not so much about the two teams, but dominated by the adverse weather conditions. Braintree played the first half into a gale and heavy rain and, while the weather eased off a little after the break, the conditions were also difficult for the home side in the second half. Iron made a bright start with George Purcell's 25-yard effort forcing a fine save from home keeper Glyn Thompson to concede a corner after just six minutes, but the first half was dominated by Newport, with the strong win at their backs. The hosts took the lead on 22 minutes when Kerry Morgan's free-kick crept passed the defensive wall and past the unsighted David Blackmore. Morgan turned provided five minutes later when his lofted free-kick was headed home by Newport's Dave Gilroy. Just before the break Mark Jones made a spectacular goal-line clearance to deny what seemed to be a certain third before Braintree finally reached the half-time interval. George Purcell pulled a goal back for Braintree six minutes into the second half when his effort from the edge of the County 18-yard box zipped past Thompson. Thereafter Braintree dominated for lengthy periods, but a combination of good fortune and desperate defending prevented Iron grabbing an equaliser. The result dictates that Braintree will be without a fixture on FA Trophy First Round day - Saturday, 12th December. Next up for Iron is the visit of Eastleigh for a Blue Square South fixture this coming Saturday, 28th November, with kick-off at 3pm. JONES DRIVE EARNS POINT Wind and rain stifle Iron - but lads battle back for a point Iron extended their unbeaten Blue Square South run to four matches with a 1-1 draw at a wet and windswept St. Albans on Saturday. Playing down the slope but against the wind during the first half, Iron struggled to assert themselves before the interval and could have gone behind as early as the ninth minute when the home side's Drew Roberts headed wide when it looked easier to score. After the break, Iron had the benefit of the blustery conditions and George Purcell smashed a fierce drive against the upright from wide on the left as Braintree pushed forward for an opener. Despite Braintree enjoying most of the possession, it was the home side that took the lead on 75 minutes. Somewhat against the run of play, substitute Danny Johnson evaded a number of challenges to skip through the Iron defence and tuck the ball past the exposed David Blackmore. But Braintree maintained their earlier momentum and, with five minutes left, new signing Alex Rhodes teased the home defence on the left. A neat passing move with George Purcell saw the ball slipped to Mark Jones who drove his shot into the top right corner from all of 25 yards. Iron dominated the closing stages as they pushed forward for a winner, but in time added on Paul Goodacre was dismissed for a second caution as he attempted to defend himself from a slap to the face from a home defender, who was also cautioned. The point moved Iron up one place in the table and to within just one point of the end of season play-off places, while having as many as three games in hand over the sides above them. Braintree team: Blackmore, Peters, Jones, Bruce, Goodacre, Starkey (Bruno 81), Mingle, Game, Purcell, Power (Marks 51), Rhodes (Duncan 90+3). Subs not used: Calliste and McDonald. Next up for Braintree is a rest from Blue Square South action, as the first team switch their attention to this season's FA Trophy competition and a Third Qualifying Round trip to Newport County this coming Saturday, 21st November, with kick-off at 3pm. GARVEY ADDS TO IRON SQUAD Pacey left winger joins - from Oxford United Braintree Town have signed 27-year old Alex Rhodes from Blue Square Premier side Oxford United. The pacey left-winger began his professional career at Brentford. Short loan spells at Swindon and Grays followed before a permanent move to Bradford in 2007, where he scored three times in eleven starts. Last season he was a regular at Rotherham in the first half of the season before joining Woking on loan. He joined Oxford United in June 2009, before signing for Braintree last night (Wednesday). Manager Robbie Garvey was delighted with his latest addition: "Alex's arrival will give me lots of options on the left. I've been keeping an eye on his progress for a few years and his pace will be an asset for us." ESSEX FA FORCE PRICE RISE Following complaint from Canvey Island FC - prices for tonight's game must go up! Braintree Town Football Club had planned to charge reduced admission charges of £5 for adults and £3 for concessions for this evening's Essex Senior Cup tie. The thinking behind this move was that the reduced admission charges would encourage interest amongst supporters of both sides in this match and competition, especially in light of the current difficult economic situation. However, following a complaint by Canvey Island Football Club to the Essex Football Association, the Essex Football Association contacted Braintree Town Secretary Tom Woodley this morning and have insisted that Braintree Town raise their admission prices to £8 for adults and £5 for concessions for this evening's game. Braintree Town Chairman Lee Harding was disappointed by the decision: "We all know that money's tight for everyone at the moment and we were trying to do our bit to help supporters of both clubs afford the game. It was our view that the reduced admission charge would encourage a better gate for what we regard as a particularly prestigious competition. Canvey Island Football Club have every right to complain and we have no choice but to accept the decision of the Essex Football Association in forcing us to raise the admission prices. All we can do is to apologise to supporters of both clubs for any inconvenience caused." BATH GAME NEW DATE visit from Bath now re-arranged - to a Tuesday evening in December Braintree Town's outstanding Blue Square South fixture at home to Bath City has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 8th December, with kick-off at 7.45pm. NEWPORT AWAY IN THE TROPHY Fellow Blue Square South side - are the opposition for Braintree Braintree Town have been drawn away to fellow Blue Square South side Newport County in the Third and final Qualifying Round of this season's FA Trophy. The match will take place at Newport Stadium on Saturday, 21st November, with kick-off at 3pm. If the match ends in a draw, the replay will be at Cressing Road on Tuesday, 24th November, with kick-off at 7.45pm. KEEPER DENIES IRON THREE POINTS |