SUTTON UNITED 1 BRAINTREE TOWN 2

Vanarama National League

Chez Isaac’s wonder goal late in their game at Sutton United delivered a very welcome three points on the road for Braintree Town.

The Iron made sure they bounced back from a disappointing performance last weekend by earning their first Vanarama National League away victory of the season.

Having endured a frustrating time against Gateshead on Saturday, the Iron responded well and may have been disappointed if they hadn’t claimed the full quota of points.

But just as it looked as though they would have to settle for a draw, Isaac drilled home a great strike from 25 yards for a fitting winner in time added-on at the end.

Until that late point, it had been a tale of two penalties with one for either side, but the Iron showed great heart to battle hard for the win even though they were down to ten men after the late sending off of Ian Gayle.

It was a much-changed side that started for Braintree with manager Jamie Day making five alterations from the team that had started the 4-1 defeat by Gateshead.

Coming into the line-up was Gayle, who was back from injury, with Sam Corne and Craig Braham-Barrett returning and AFC Bournemouth loan duo Sam Matthews and Brandon Goodship both handed their first starts for the Iron.

It meant others missed out as Barney Williams, Harry Lee, Jon Ashton and Lee Barnard all dropped to the bench and Rhodell Gordon wasn’t involved.

Having made their changes, Braintree had to defend solidly at the start as the hosts got on the front foot early and the Iron back line had to stay tight from a series of free-kicks in the early minutes.

They helped to put the visitors’ goal under pressure, but even though Sutton got on top, they were unable to make it count in terms of a goal.

Having weathered the early storm from the hosts, Braintree got an opening when the impressive Matthews found his Bournemouth team-mate Goodship in a wide position.

The loanee placed a superb cross into the middle to where Simeon Akinola met it but he squandered the opportunity by blasting the ball over the bar.

The Iron did start to get more of a foothold in the game, but they were then grateful for some wayward finishing as Bedsente Gomis lifted a shot over the target when the visiting defence had been opened by a flowing move.

The opening goal came in in the 34th minute, though, when Isaac was judged to have fouled Kevin Amankwaah in the area.

While it looked touch and go whether the misdemeanour was in the area or outside, referee Antony Coggins decided it was in and pointed to the spot.

Nicky Bailey did the rest as he sent Iron keeper Sam Beasant the wrong way for the opening goal, however, another penalty at the other end meant the lead wasn’t maintained until half-time.

In time added on at the end of the first half, Sutton gave away possession deep in their own territory.

Michael Cheek picked up the ball and thrust into the box, but went down under a challenge from home keeper Ross Worner and just as he had at the other end, Coggins had no hesitation in awarding the penalty.

Having given away the foul that led to Sutton’s spot-kick, Isaac redeemed himself by firing home to ensure parity was restored at the break.

That almost became a lead for Sutton just after the break when it took a fantastic save from Beasant to tip a header from Gomis over the bar, but there was soon a gilt-edged chance for Braintree at the other end.

It fell to Akinola again and he was wasteful again as he scuffed a shot that Worner was able to gather when the Iron forward may have expected to have done better.

Akinola was then involved as Braintree broke quickly when Sutton had given up possession and his effort was just inches past the post.

It was then Matthews who saw a chance go begging when Isaac found him on the edge of the Sutton box and he lifted his shot over the bat rather than test Worner.

Having had the better of the second-half chances, though, Braintree ended the game with only ten men.

They were caught out with a ball forward and when Gayle dragged Ryan Burge back he was sent off to give the hosts a numerical advantage for the final minutes of the game.

However, it was Braintree who finished the stronger as they went searching for a winner and Isaac delivered with a superb strike that flew into the goal to wrap up a first away win of the campaign.

Braintree Town: Sam Beasant, Jerome Okimo, Ian Gayle, Sam Corne, Craig Braham-Barrett, Jake Goodman (Jon Ashton 44), Chez Isaac, Sam Matthews (Joe Maybanks 82), Simeon Akinola, Brandon Goodship (Lee Barnard 59), Michael Cheek.

Subs not used: Barney Williams, Harry Lee.

Referee: Antony Coggins.