ANGELO Harrop was delighted with the performance of his Braintree Town side after they saw off St Albans City.

Levi Amantchi netted the Iron's winner just after half-time to give them victory at Cressing Road and lift them to eighth place in Vanarama National League South.

Harrop told the Braintree Town website: "I'm absolutely ecstatic with that result.

"It's what we needed.

"I'd say the last few performances we've been OK but tonight, I thought we were outstanding mainly because of our energy.

"The passion we showed tonight as a football club and a football team I thought was excellent.

"Their manager (Ian Allinson) is a very good manager and a very experienced manager and I thought they were good, which didn't surprise me.

"With my relationship with Sudbury and speaking to them, I got a good bit of information on them tonight.

"I thought it was a really good, even game and I felt that there was always maybe only going to be a goal in it."

Braintree and Witham Times: JON WEAVERJON WEAVER (Image: JON WEAVER)

Amantchi netted Braintree's winner early in the second half.

He capitalised to score from close range, after St Albans keeper Michael Johnson failed to hold onto Willy Clemons' shot.

"I felt our goal came at the perfect time," said Harrop.

"It was a really, really tight affair in the first half and we needed to make sure that we took the chance, when it came.

"Willy Clemons did absolutely fantastic for the goal and the big man (Levi Amantchi) put it in.

"There were some really big performances from us but it wasn't just one or two.

"It was literally a collective, so I was really happy.

"We showed passion and heart.

"You can talk about tactics and players and everything else but we ran harder than them and we worked hard for one another.

"I always say that your players represent how your manager is.

Braintree and Witham Times: JON WEAVERJON WEAVER (Image: JON WEAVER)

"I work extremely hard and our management team are relentless at this football club.

"The players worked so hard individually but collectively as well.

"For me, these are the biggest wins of the season."

Writing on social media, match winner Levi Amantchi said: 'Massive performance from the lads & 3 big points !! Fans were great today'.

Braintree switch their attention back to the FA Cup, this weekend.

The Iron travel to play AFC Hornchurch, third qualifying round.

Harrop added: "I know Hornchurch very well.

"They're a very, very good outfit and they're riding high at the top of the league at the moment.

"They've got some good players and it's going to be a very, very good game.

"But the FA Cup has been good to me so far, so hopefully we'll keep that run going."