ALTRINCHAM 0 BRAINTREE TOWN 4

Vanarama National League

Braintree Town enjoyed more away-day delight as they completed another Vanarama National League three-point haul on the road at Altrincham.

Their 4-0 victory meant they have now taken 13 points from their last five away games as first-half goals from Michael Cheek and Kenny Davis and late strikes from substitutes Anthony Edgar and Taylor Miles took Danny Cowley’s side up to seventh in the table.

Manager Cowley made three changes to his side from the one that drew 0-0 at Dover Athletic in midweek as Mitch Brundle, Miles and Sean Marks all dropped to the bench.

That allowed Remy Clerima to step back into the back line, while Alex Woodyard celebrated his call-up to the England C training squad this week with a recall for the Iron as he returned from a two-match suspension.

Braintree full-back Sam Habergham has also been included in Paul Fairclough’s England squad, while Michael cheek was the third change that Cowley introduced back into his starting line-up.

And Cheek made an almost instant impact on his return as it proved to be a fantastic start to the game for the Iron.

In just the ninth minute, the former Chelmsford City striker fired home from close-range to put Braintree in the driving seat and it was a position they never relinquished.

That lead was doubled just before half-time and Cheek was involved again when he was fouled in the penalty area by Altrincham’s Andrew Parry in the 42nd minute.

Kenny Davis converted the spot-kick to make it comfortable at the interval and they were rarely threatened after it with some excellent chances during the second half.

Cheek hit the post after being sent through clear on goal and Simeon Akinola saw an effort cleared off the line after pouncing on an under-hit back pass from the hosts.

Substitute Anthony Edgar also struck the woodwork in the closing stages, but there was no denying the former West Ham youngster in the 90th minute.

Edgar gave the scoreline the look that Braintree’s dominance had merited when he chipped the home keeper Tim Deasy from fully 35 yards.

However, they weren’t finished there as another of Cowley’s substitutes – Miles – added a fourth goal even deeper into injury-time at the end as he whipped in a free-kick to make the trip back to Essex even sweeter.

Braintree: Will Norris, Remy Clerima, Matt Paine, Kenny Davis, Sam Habergham, Mark Phillips, Alex Woodyard, Chez Isaac, Dan Sparkes (Taylor Miles 59), Simeon Akinola (Anthony Edgar 74), Michael Cheek (Sean Marks 78). Subs not used: Mitch Brundle, Jordan Cox.