A rare mistake by Danny Gay cost Braintree Town the chance of securing three points from their hard-fought encounter with Eastleigh.

The Cressing Road faithful were in fine spirits after the impressive Alex Revell had shot them into a half-time lead.

But when Gay failed to hold Paul Sales' effort after 73 minutes, the dangerous Andy Forbes was on hand to steer home.

Elsewhere, Heybridge Swifts began life under caretaker manager Mark Hawkes with a well-earned point away at Salisbury City, although the visitors will maybe feel aggrieved at letting their lead slip away.

Carl Griffiths' stunning 55th-minute strike looked to have given Heybridge all three points, but the home side equalised with 15 minutes to go, meaning that Swifts were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Witham Town dropped down a place - to third in division two - despite a fine 3-2 win at Flackwell Heath.

Brook House overtook Tony Last's men and went second after thrashing Kingsbury 6-1. But that was one of the few negatives for Last on a day when Witham showed true grit.

Published Monday, November 15, 2004

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