BRAINTREE Town are on the verge of clinching their Vanarama National League South status after claiming a 1-1 draw at Oxford City, writes JON WEAVER.

Their hosts were in fifth place and needed a point to ensure that they would be taking part in the end of season play-offs.

Braintree manager Ryan Maxwell made three changes to the team that had mis-fired against Concord Rangers seven days earlier.

The impressive Ola Williams returned to the right-back berth in place of Matt Moloney, Guyana captain Sam Cox started his first game in place of Jean-Baptiste Fischer, and Dejon Noel-Williams started up front, ahead of Luke Holness.

Oxford were the first to show, and Billy Johnson had to be at his best to tip over Bancroft's effort from Bancroft.

The main chances during the opening half, as anticipated, fell to the home side.

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However, Iron's defence stood up well to the challenge and were well worthy of a share of the spoils at the break.

After just eight minutes of the second half, Braintree took the lead.

It came via one of their main attacking threats - Matt Johnson's long throw.

The ball was floated high into the six yard box, Oxford's Dudzinski came out to claim it but fumbled.

The ball fell behind him where Gio Crichlow was the first to react.

The Iron winger dived at the ball to head in his fourth goal of the season.

Soon after the goal, a clever interchange between Matt Johnson and Crichlow down the right resulted in a pull back which Khale Da Costa blazed over the crossbar.

Substitute Luke Holness also had a chance to score, firing straight at the goalkeeper after being put through by Jean-Baptiste Fischer.

With six minutes to go Oxford struck the underside of the crossbar, but it was looking as though Iron would hold on for the result they needed.

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Seven minutes of time were added on, to allow for the frequent stoppages in play. Four minutes into this referee Reubyn Ricardo awarded Oxford a hotly contested penalty, for a handball by Jay Porter.

The full back was booked for protesting, and after Iaciofano had rolled in the equaliser, Luke Pennell received a second yellow card for over-protesting and was sent off.

The game was played in a good spirit, so to see seven Iron players booked, one sent off, and Maxwell also yellow carded after the final whistle, says much for the frustrations felt by all.

The draw gave Oxford the point they needed, but leaves Iron still needing one more to ensure safety.

They will hope to get that on Saturday when they entertain Hemel Hempstead Town, and ask all Iron fans from far and wide to make their way to the Dunmow Group Stadium and help them over the line.

Braintree Town: Billy Johnson, Ola Williams, Jay Porter, Matt Johnson, Kyran Clements, Luke Pennell, Gio Crichlow, Alfie Payne, Dejon Noel-Williams (Luke Holness), Sam Cox (Jean-Baptiste Fischer), Khale Da Costa (Jalen Jones). Subs (not used): Shae Hutchinson, Stefan Ilic.