Braintree and Grays registered a point each in an even contest on the opening day of the season.
Grays, one of the title favourites after a flurry of summer transfer activity, might have been disappointed not to have claimed all three points against pennyless Braintree, though they were fortunate not to trail on three minutes as Neil Cousin headed against the crossbar for the hosts.
Athletic did however edge in front just after the half-hour, with Craig Edwards elegantly lobbing goalkeeper Paul Tatley.
Sweltering heat saw the pace slow in the second period, with Grays seemingly content to play out time. They were caught however four minutes from the end, as Noble caused problems in the box and former Canvey man Peter Smith hauled him down. Dean Parratt stepped up to convert from 12 yards and claim a share of the spoils.
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