BRAINTREE Town moved up to seventh place in the Vanarama National League South table following a 2-0 win over Tonbridge Angels.
It was a topsy-turvy game at the Dunmow Group Stadium, in which both teams ended up with ten men.
Braintree took the lead on 12 minutes when Alfie Matthews' astute ball down the left saw Levi Amantchi skip past defenders and send a beautiful lob over keeper Jonathan Henley, into the top far corner of the net.
And they added a second three minutes into first-half stoppage time through new signing, Lamar Reynolds.
FULL TIME!
— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) August 27, 2022
A very well battled win for the Iron and a clean sheet to go with it!#COYI pic.twitter.com/VW57Udrdos
Braintree manager Angelo Harrop said: "We had to change things around at the interval after that disappointing start but we came in two goals up and I felt we were much better in the second half and deserved to win the game.
"We have played far better this season already and yet lost so I can't complain because that's what happens in football.
"You simply cannot let your foot off the gas at any stage of a game at this level and then you have to take the scoring opportunities when they come along and that's what we did in the first half.
Tonbridge were reduced to ten men on 69 minutes when striker Tommie Fagg was shown a straight red card after a skirmish on the halfway line in front of the dugouts, that saw a general melee of players from both sides involved.
And Braintree also had a player sent off with two minutes remaining when Amantchi raised his arm, after going up for high ball colliding with a visiting player.
The buck starts here as always… when the chips are down you find out about yourself and everyone around you!
— brett munyard #⚽️ (@brettmunyard) August 27, 2022
It’s a long long season … see you Monday ⚽️🔴⚫️
BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT lost 4-1 at Hastings United, in their latest Pitching In Isthmian League Premier match.
Luke Skinner opened the scoring for the R's, who host Billericay Town at North Road on Bank Holiday Monday.
Writing on social media, R's boss Brett Munyard said: 'The buck starts here as always… when the chips are down you find out about yourself and everyone around you! It’s a long long season … see you Monday'.
𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗨𝗣: 🆚 @officialswifts
— Maldon & Tiptree FC (@MaldonTiptreeFC) August 28, 2022
Derbies don’t get much bigger than this! The Swifts make their way up the hill for our Bank Holiday Monday fixture 🥊#Jammers🍓#MALHEY pic.twitter.com/1tF98z5VqC
In division north, MALDON AND TIPTREE lost 2-1 at Lowestoft Town, despite Brad Ihionvien's goal just before half-time.
On Bank Holiday Monday, the Jammers host neighbours HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS who beat East Thurrock United 2-0 thanks to goals from Ben Sartain and Andy Fennell.
A big 3 points for the Swifts! ⚫️⚪️ #Swifts pic.twitter.com/k2osbO8F53
— Heybridge Swifts FC (@officialswifts) August 27, 2022
WITHAM TOWN are seventh after beating Hullbridge Sports, 3-1.
Town were 2-0 up by the break thanks to Ramiah Mills' brace.
Roland Oteniya pulled a goal back for the hosts just after the break but Jamahl Godward wrapped up Witham's win, near the end.
FT | Goals from @clowsley93, Michael Okafor, @_JackJohnsonnn and @joehillier109 secure the victory at The Drive! The Seasiders are into the Second Qualifying Round! 🙌
— FC Clacton (@FC_Clacton) August 27, 2022
Thank you to @Frenfordfc for your hospitality and best wishes for the rest of the season. #Seasiders ⚪🔵⚽ pic.twitter.com/aGPRhFjhSw
In the FA VASE first qualifying round, FC Clacton won 4-1 at Frenford Town to book a trip to Basildon United, in the next round.
Jake Clowsley, Michael Okafor, Jack Johnson and Joe Hillier were all on the scoresheet, for the Seasiders.
STANWAY ROVERS also progressed to the next round after winning 2-1 at Takeley, thanks to Colclough's brace.
But Holland FC are out after losing 1-0 at home to Letchworth Garden City Eagles.
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