Thanks to a couple of opportunist goals by expert marksmen, Braintree gained three points from Saturday's game in which they were otherwise second best for most of the time.

Despite the boost of an early goal, Iron never really got on top of a useful Whyteleafe side whose only failing was a lack of punch up front.

Although Braintree managed to hold on to their narrow lead for almost an hour the Surrey side finally drew level and then looked likely winners until Iron struck again somewhat against the run of play to claim the decider.

Because of injury problems, Town manager John Bennett was forced to recall long-term absentee Robbie Reinelt for a one-off appearance before he undergoes a cartilage operation this week.

It was a surprise move but paid immediate dividends when in less than two minutes from the kick-off Reinelt showed that he had not lost his touch by powering in a stunning header from a Nicky Smith free-kick.

This brilliant start should have sent Iron on their way firing on all cylinders but somehow they never got going and it was the Surrey side who emerged to set the pattern of play.

For long periods Braintree none-too-convincing defence was put under pressure but fortunately they managed to survive mainly due to Whyteleafe's inability to round off their moves more decisively.

Therefore goalkeeper Mick Desborough, signed from Gravesend & Northfleet during the week and returning to Cressing Road after an absence of five years, faced plenty of action but was rarely tested in the first half.

There was little activity in the Whyteleafe goalmouth either with the twin towers of six foot plus central defenders Nigel Golley and Danny Arkwright blocking the way effectively.

The same pattern continued after the break and sooner or later the equaliser was bound to come.

So it was no surprise when Iron surrendered their precarious lead in the 57th minute.

From a free-kick by Gary Elliott out near the left touchline, Arkwright had positioned himself ideally to head past Desborough.

This was the signal for still more pressure by the visitors and it was largely due to several smart saves by Desborough that Braintree avoided going behind.

Then a double substitution with Simon Miller and Bradley Quinton replacing Reinelt and Renshaw had the desired effect and brought some much needed life into Iron's play.

Miller particularly began to cause Whyteleafe some problems with his pace and it was one of his penetrating runs that produced the deciding goal in the 71st minute.

A quick burst through the middle by Miller opened the way for Leon Gutzmore to take the ball in his stride and after cleverly waiting for advancing goalkeeper Martin to commit himself, the new striker neatly slipped the ball into the net.

Perhaps not in their most convincing style Braintree nevertheless had taken what opportunities they had and so secured their first league win in six games.

Braintree Town: Desborough, Renshaw (Quinton), Tanner, Cross, Keeper, Reinelt (Miller), St Hilaire, Cowan, Gutzmore, Smith, and Jones.

Forthcoming fixture: Saturday, March 18 -Wealdstone v Braintree Town, Ryman League, Division One (kick-off 3pm).

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