Braintree Town were left feeling they had been the architects of Grimsby Town’s ascent to the summit of the Blue Square Bet Premier table.


The Mariners went top for the first time this season thanks to two goals by Ross Hannah and one from Craig Disley, while Braintree were left to ponder their own shortcomings as they slipped back into the relegation zone.

Braintree manager Alan Devonshire said: “From our point of view, the three goals we have conceded were poor.”


Devonshire also had Declan Hunt on the bench at Blundell Park after the 18-year-old midfielder had joined on loan from West Ham on Thursday and he made his debut as a second-half substitute.

See the Braintree and Witham Times this week for full reaction to the defeat at Grimsby and all the latest news and exclusive views on the Iron.