Dan adds Sparke to get Braintree past the 50-point mark

Vanarama Conference Premier

Braintree Town had to be patient in their Vanarama Conference Premier game at Nuneaton Town, but Dan Sparkes’ late goal made sure they put an end to some recent poor form.

The Iron had lost their previous three games and had rued not making more of goal-scoring opportunities in their 3-1 defeat by Lincoln on Good Friday and it looked like that may be the case this time as well.

They saw a number of efforts go begging before half-time and with much of the second period being quiet, it took Sparkes’ second goal of the Easter weekend to make sure they didn’t on this occasion.

There was one change for the Iron from the side that started the defeat by Lincoln, with Bernard Mensah back in the line-up and Mitch Brundle dropping to the bench.

They knew they needed a response after three back-to-back disappointments and began brightly against a Nuneaton side who were fighting for their lives in the division.

Sparkes had the first meaningful effort on goal with a fierce shot that drew a good save from home keeper Max Crowcombe.

However, Nuneaton were desperate for points and went looking for an opening goal.

Robert Ogleby soon forced Nick Hamann into a save and Sparkes was then employed in a defensive capacity to deny a dangerous move by the hosts.

However, the play went a bit flat after there were no early breakthroughs.

Braintree did have a chance on 26 minutes when Bernard Mensah burst in from the right and drilled a shot in that Crowcombe just got a foot to and deflected on to the crossbar.

They were forced into a change in the 30th minute when a head injury for Jordan Cox meant he had to be replaced by Brundle and there was nearly an instant goal from the substitute.

After good work by Mensah to open the opportunity, Brundle was presented with an almost open goal to shoot at, but the ball bobbled on the tricky surface and he fired over the bar.

Just before half-time Mensah then had a great chance himself as he capitalised on a mistake by former Braintree Town player Gavin Cowan but could not find the target with his shot when it came and the half ended goalless.

There was little to set pulses racing after the break with little on the pitch to excite the crowd of 636.

Mensah had a couple of half-chances, but they were either off target or saved and it took a bit of quality from Sparkes in the 81st minute to unlock things.

He had scored Braintree’s goal on Good Friday and finished a productive personal Easter weekend by firing home from Sam Habergham’s pass.

In the end it proved enough and Braintree were finally able to get themselves past the 50-point mark that boss Alan Devonshire feels will ensure their place in the Conference Premier this year.

Braintree: Nick Hamann, Ryan Peters, Bernard Mensah (James Mulley 73), Chez Isaac, Sam Habergham, Matt Paine, Alan Massey, Kenny Davis, Simeon Akinola, Jordan Cox (Mitch Brundle 30), Dan Sparkes. Subs not used: Joe Maybanks, Joe Moore, Carl Pentney. Referee: Simon Bennett.