Two more goals, a third consecutive clean sheet and another three Vanarama Conference Premier points made it a very happy Christmas for Braintree Town at Dartford.

The Iron built on their 2-0 win against Torquay United before the festive season with another result of the same scoreline as they crossed over to the south side of the River Thames.

Charlie Strutton put the visitors ahead early in the game from the penalty spot and Simeon Akinola scored his third goal in as many games to wrap up the points in the 75th minute.

Those three points took the Iron to a healthy mid-table slot of 15th in the Vanarama Conference Premier standings and ten points clear of the relegation zone.

They are also just ten points short of the play-off places and are now unbeaten in three league and cup outings.

With Ryan Peters having recovered from a dead leg to allow him to play, boss Alan Devonshire kept faith with the same line-up that had started Braintree’s previous win against Torquay.

And, it some pretty wet weather, they rewarded that faith by taking an early lead at Dartford.

It came in the eighth minute when former Colchester United defender Tom Bender, who is on loan with the Darts from Millwall, handled the ball in the area.

Referee Christopher Powell pointed to the spot and Strutton stepped forward to slam the ball into the back of the net.

The game remained a bit scrappy until half-time and neither side was able to break through again, but the Iron needed a change before the break as Peters came off after straining a thigh muscle.

Mitch Brundle was his replacement and Braintree were able to step it up after the restart as they came out strongly for the second half.

They had chances, particularly Dan Sparkes, who had replaced Strutton, but had to wait until the 75th minute when Akinola headed home from a cross by Chez Isaac.

That was enough to wrap up the victory for the Iron and they saw out the game in comfort to continue their profitable spell.