The much-changed Braintree line-up still seems unable to fulfil the potential expected of it and after several below par performances the biggest disappointment so far came with Saturday's surprise dismissal from the FA Cup.

Just when the club could have done with a boost the team failed to raise their game sufficiently at Finchley and were deservedly beaten by a side lower down the Ryman League scale.

On the day Braintree were unable to match the extra determination and effort shown by the home side and this in the end proved the important factor.

The warning signs were posted right from the start with Wingate's enthusiastic approach causing early problems for Braintree.

Only seven minutes had elapsed before Iron went behind when goalkeeper Nicky Rust and Richard Philp had a hesitant misunderstanding which resulted in a gift opportunity being snaffled up by Sawyer.

This was quickly followed by further chances for Brady of Wingate who could have been 3-0 up in the first 15 minutes.

Fortunately for the visitors they got themselves sorted out and gradually took more control.

Midway throug, Iron Braintree got in their first real effort when Scott Forbes headed just wide following a Robbie Reinelt cross.

Then Gavin Cowan came up to try his hand with a powerful 25 yard shot that the goalkeeper could not hold but there was no one on hand to pick up the loose ball.

Four minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half Braintree drew level when Reinelt made no mistake from the penalty spot for his sixth goal of the season.

There was an early chance at the start of the second half for Iron to take the lead when Mark Keen was just unable to get enough control before letting go with a good effort, but the Essex visitors got their noses in front on the hour.

As ever, Reinelt had an influential part to play in the build-up which led to Nicky Smith firing in a shot that the goalkeeper could not hold and this time substitute Ian Brown stepped in to put Braintree ahead.

The lead was not to last long however and in the 67th minute Wingate got on top terms when a poor clearance by the visitors presented Nyman with a gift opportunity which he accepted.

As Braintree's heads went down the home side again grabbed the initiative and in the 77th minute Baum go through unchallenged to fire in the decider with a strong shot.

So another disappointment for Braintree especially as a passage into the second round would have been rewarded with an attractive local derby at Bishops Stortford.

Braintree Town : Rust, Philp, Cowan, Hunter, Keen, Reinelt, Adams, Renshaw (Brown), Mtmabra (Owen), Smith, Forbes. Unused substitutes: Caldon and Gavin Smith.

Forthcoming fixtures: Saturday, September 11 v Croydon, at home, Ryman League, 3pm. Tuesday, September 14 v Aylesbury United, at home, League Cup, 7.45pm.

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