Braintree Town bounced back from their midweek defeat in the FA Trophy to secure victory at Southport.

After falling out of the Trophy in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Havant and Waterlooville last Tuesday, Braintree moved off the bottom of the Blue Square Bet premier table with a 2-0 win at Haig Avenue.

The victory saw the Iron move to within a point of safety as they jumped to 21st in the table on 23 points, ending the day right on the heels of their hosts in 20th.

With the wind at their backs Braintree dominated the first half.

Making the most of the conditions the visitors took the lead on 16 minutes.

Good work from Dan Holman released Sean Marks, who controlled the ball well before slipping it underneath the home keeper.

Braintree doubled their lead four minutes later.

Luke Daley surged down the right and rifled a cross into box for Marks who turned the ball into the net at the near post.

After the break it was the home side that dominated the possession.

However, Braintree soaked up the pressure and their defence did not look as if it would be breached.

As it was Braintree ground out a win in the second half.