Braintree moved into second spot with a superb display against local rivals Chelmsford.

But, the brandishing of four yellow cards clearly indicates the club has an indiscipline problem to address.

The Black and Ambers have moved within striking distance of league leaders Eton Manor, who lost on Saturday, and are looking a good bet for promotion thanks to the efforts of joint coaches Gary Coote and Barrie Winwood.

But at one stage in this game they were reduced to just 12 players after having three men sinbinned in a crazy seven-minute spell.

Chelmsford took the initiative in the opening stages, grabbing penalties in the tenth and 20th minutes to establish a 6-0 lead.

Their efforts weren't helped when front row forward Daryl Coote was sin-binned after 21 minutes but seven minutes later they were back in contention when stand-off Craig Willis despatched a penalty of his own.

On the half-hour Chelmsford added a converted try to their points tally.

Braintree hit back on the stroke of half-time when they took a quick tap penalty enabling hooker Stevie Sewell to crash over from ten yards out to score a try which was converted by Willis.

Braintree were left with just 12 players on the park following the break after Lewis Hett was shown yellow on 53 minutes but, somehow, but managed to prevent the home side taking advantage.

With cautioned players slowly filtering back on to the pitch the Black and Ambers went for the jugular and ten minutes from time they got their reward.

Punching forward on the left they recycled the ball constantly before working it out wide to outside centre Stuart Lewis who went over to score.

Fly-half Willis converted the score and then tied the match up with a 78th minute drop goal to bag the points.

Published Wednesday, December 18, 2002

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