CONCORD RANGERS 2 BRAINTREE TOWN 2

Vanarama National League South

Having twice come from behind to win their last two Vanarama National League South games, it was Braintree Town who were pegged back late on this time in a 2-2 draw at Essex rivals Concord Rangers.

The Iron had scored late winners against Dorking and Chippenham in both of their previous two outings and had been leading 2-1 heading into the final minutes on this occasion.

Goals from Jason Banton and Ade Cole had put the Iron ahead and, with Rangers reduced to ten men before half-time, they were looking to close out a third straight win.

However, Rangers had other ideas and an 86th minute goal from Aron Pollock pulled them level as the Iron had to be content with just a point this time.

There was just one change for Braintree from the side that came from behind to beat Chippenham Town on Saturday.

That saw new addition Cameron Green making a first start after joining on loan from Premier League club Watford as he came into the Iron defence in place of the unavailable Ollie Saunders.

Braintree were looking to pick up where they had left off at Chippenham, where they had grabbed a winner in the 87th minute.

Iron striker Femi Akinwande saw an early shot deflected past the post in a fairly even opening, but Rangers also soon had a first sight of goal.

It came with an effort from distance by Danny Green that flew just wide of the target after good work from Joel Nouble.

The game stayed tight with not much in the way of chances at either end, but it was Braintree who got themselves ahead as the half drew to a close.

First, Ade Cole turned a cross by Tom Richardson over the bar in the 35th minute, but just two minutes later, they did take the lead when Jason Banton fired home a fantastic shot into the top right-hand corner of the Rangers goal.

It was what Braintree wanted before the break, but they were given a further boost in the 42nd minute when Concord defender Jack Cawley was sent off for a tackle on Richardson.

That meant they would face ten men with a goal advantage after the break, but although that was how it stayed in the opening period, the Iron were unable to consolidate their lead.

And they found themselves pegged back on 55 minutes when a cross from the left was met by Decarrey Sheriff who headed the ball into the top right corner to pull Concord level.

It was a frustration for Braintree, but they quickly dusted themselves down and got back in front in the 69th minute when Cole fired home from close range to re-establish an Iron lead.

That was almost extended when Richardson headed just over from a Green free-kick in the 78th minute, but the sting was in the tail for Braintree this time.

It wasn’t to be a third straight win as Pollock scored with a late equalising goal that denied Braintree a place in the play-off places.

Braintree Town: Michael Johnson, Josh Urquhart, Michael Clark, Jake Hutchings, Cameron Green, Tyler Christian-Law, Jason Banton (Alfie Cerulli), Ade Cole, Femi Akinwande, Tom Richardson, Tobi Coker (Harry Osbourne).

Subs not used: Charley Barker, Sergio Manesio, Sean Bonnett-Johnson.