On this showing together with other recent form Gravesend must be one of the main contenders for promotion to the Conference next season.

They have a big club set up at Stonebridge Road with good support and a team to match.

It was a tough assignment therefore if Braintree were to retain their recently regained place at the top of the Premier Division, so while Iron did well to hold their own in the First half the home side emerged as the stronger team after the break.

In front of a 779 crowd, their best League gate to date, Gravesend got away to a bright start and had the best of the early exchanges although they were unable to make much impression up front at this stage. Find out more about Braintree Town FC Braintree confidently worked their way into the game with Nicky Simpson and Mark Jones featuring prominently, the latter being involved at both ends in quick succession.

Firstly he came to the rescue to clear a dangerous cross from Fleet's inspiring captain Jimmy Jackson. Then as Iron began to push forward Jones nearly gave them the lead with a 25 yard shot that goalkeeper Jamie Turner just managed to tip over.

No score at half-time and Braintree could feel well satisfied with things so far but much would depend on how they managed to cope in the second half.

We did not have long to wait for the answer and within two minutes of the restart the home side forged ahead. Steve McKimm led a charge towards the Braintree penalty area where he released Jackson to send over a defence splitting pass which Craig Wilkins turned to good account, albeit at the second attempt after Paul Catley had blocked his first effort.

This proved to be the turning point and urged on by their vociferous fans Gravesend took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Pushing forward at every opportunity the home side's midfield took control and Braintree were forced to switch their attention towards survival.

A second Gravesend goal came in the 54th minute when Darren Smith embarked on a lengthy run before letting go a powerful shot which again Catley could do no more than partially save and Che Stadhart was quick to pounce on the rebound to find the net.

By now Iron were seldom allowed the luxury of a possible scoring attempt, in fact their nearest chance of a goal came when a Gravesend defender completely misplaced a back pass and the ball went tantalisingly just outside an unguarded net.

At least Braintree kept the scoreline in check by some resolute defending and it was not until the 85th minute that they conceded a third goal.

The livewire Stadhart won possession on the edge of the area before sharply turning inside to deliver a stunning shot well out of Catley's reach.

On their second half performance alone Gravesend had done enough to give due notice that on this form they are strong candidates for the title.

Braintree: Catley, Potter (Girling), Jones, Cowan, Waters, Reinelt, Simpson, Parratt, Noble, Smith, Gutzmore (Quinton).

Forthcoming fixtures: This Saturday, Braintree have no game due to the fact that Hitchin Town who were due to visit are engaged in the FA Cup. There is also no game fixed at the present for midweek.

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