BRAINTREE Town slumped to a 2-0 home defeat against Farnborough after a dreadful second-half performance, writes DAVID WARD.
The Iron failed to even look like getting a point at Cressing Road on Bank Holiday Monday against a visiting outfit that were far more accomplished and polished in everything they did and deservedly returned home with all three points.
It's a tough time for the Iron and their fans because with limited financial resources available, they simply can't afford the quality of players needed to maintain themselves at this level.
It clearly showed in this disappointing National League South encounter against a side with obviously plenty of experience.
Braintree battled well in a fairly even first half without really looking as if they would score.
But the second period saw the vastly more experienced visitors take complete control of the game and it was their better players who simply ran the game, as the Iron players huffed and puffed without creating any real danger against their opponents.
Farnborough went ahead on 53 minutes with an exceptionally well-taken shot high into the Iron net by Alex Whittle, which was worthy of a higher level of football.
And the visitors added a second from Tyler Frost on 71 minutes, with the Iron defence at sixes and sevens and literally all over the place.
Braintree did try to come back into the game but on this showing, they have players that are of a decent Isthmian League standard but nowhere near National League level required.
That's the honest truth that has to be declared and unless the side improves dramatically, it's going to be a season fighting off relegation.
The only bright spot of the afternoon was the fine performance by central defender by Michael Olarewaju.
The ex-Dartford defender consistently showed his experience which the Iron back line could do more of while in midfield, Braintree lacked organisation and cohesion.
Up front, Braintree were devoid of any real penetration but hopefully the suspended striker Anisius Lewis will be back for the Iron's next game at Slough on Saturday.
Lewis should make a difference, as he has already proved he knows where the back of the net is.
The other clearly missing ingredient in Braintree's side is a true team leader who can be heard and seen making the right calls and telling players what is needed, out on the pitch.
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