Aldershot knew too much for Braintree on Saturday, running out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Recreation Ground.
It could have been so different however, if Tommy Noble had enjoyed greater luck in front of goal in the opening quarter. Instead, his efforts were uncomfortably smothered by home shot-stopper Nicki Bull.
Aldershot were looking threatening though, with Anthony Charles rattling Paul Catley's crossbar with a firm header.
The second half saw chances converted into goals for the hosts, and they took the lead on 57 minutes when young starlet Michael Harper gained the ball on the edge of the box to fire expertly past Catley. Four minutes later the 17 year-old had doubled the advantage, getting on the end of a Lee Charles cross.
Harper turned provider six minutes from time to complete a true Man of the Match display, feeding John Nutter inside the box, who curled a left-foot shot past Catley.
Braintree slip to three off the bottom, Aldershot are 6th.
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