TEN-MAN Braintree Town saw off Chippenham Town 1-0 to claim one of their best-ever National League South results, writes DAVID WARD.

Gio Crichlow's second-half strike helped the Iron beat a much-fancied Chippenham outfit at the Dunmow Group Stadium, leaving manager Ryan Maxwell "ecstatic and proud".

The victory has moved Braintree up to 16th place and further away from the relegation zone.

Maxwell said: "I am phenomenally proud of all the players involved and couldn't have asked for anymore from them.

"To play against such a good side with only ten men for around an hour was incredible and then deservedly scoring what turned out to be the winning goal 20 minutes from time and still at that stage we were looking the better team.

"We have grown into a more solid unit in recent weeks and that's basically down to the players effort, commitment and energy levels both in training and on match day.

"We've kept another clean sheet and much of that is down to the back four and goalkeeper who have all excelled themselves by being a much improved unit and better understanding of their play between them."

Crichlow netted Braintree's winner with 21 minutes remaining, driving in from Kyran Clements' assist, following Stefan Ilic's quick free-kick.

Crichlow said: "I knew a goal was coming with all pressure and when the ball came to me that was it - get into the net!

"I'm pleased not just to score but also for how we all played as a team and with one man short for so long we knew we had to dig in.

"It's another massive three points for us and it's a credit to all the lads because everyone put in a big shift, particularly when going one man down and everyone is working hard for one another."

Crichlow should also have earned himself a penalty on 47 minutes when he appeared to be blatantly brought down by full-back Danny Greenslade, in the area.

But referee Callum Walchester waved play on, much to the disappointment of the majority of the 414 crowd.

Braintree also felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Luke Russe appeared to handle in the area, while Clements also appeared to be clearly hauled down in the area later in the game.

The most controversial refereeing incident of the afternoon though came on 41 minutes when young Iron full-back Matthew Maloney was shown a straight red card for a tackle.

The decision so incensed Maxwell that before play resumed, referee Mr Walchester ran over to the touchline to show the Braintree boss a yellow card for his protests.

Maxwell added@ "No way did the incident warrant a red card and I told him so.

"Let's just say the referee's afternoon performance left a lot to be desired and it was the same opinion from their bench too in relation to decisions by the officials throughout the match - many were just unbelievable."

"Full marks though to my players for the way they responded going down to ten men and how well they defended with particular praise for our keeper Billy Johnson, who pulled off crucial saves for us."