CENTRE-HALVES are renowned throughout football for not scoring too many goals and so it came to pass as Braintree Town played out a 0-0 draw with Hartlepool United at the Rare Breed Meat Stadium, writes DAVID WARD.
Iron skipper George Langston carried on that tradition in the dying moments of this entertaining game when he could literally have secured three vital points for his side, in the National League clash.
The chance developed from a great header from Iron substitute Lewis Walker that saw visiting goalkeeper George Evans snatch at the ball on his goal line and for it to run loose towards Langston, who skied the ball over.
What could have been this afternoon 😭 It somehow ends goalless here! #IronArmy | Forged in 1898 pic.twitter.com/fJteasZrgi
— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) December 21, 2025
Braintree boss Steve Pitt said: “I just knew that when it fell to the feet of George as centre-halves do it would miss the target.
“That’s no disrespect to him but that’s what happens when a central defender finds himself in a position like a natural centre-forward who would nine times out of ten have put it in the back of the net.”
Pitt was full of praise for his reshuffled Braintree side which included their two new young recruits Harrison Dudziak and Ben Drake, from Arsenal and Millwall respectively.
Dudziak, 19, and Drake, 20, both made impressive debuts in this match.
📸 Half time action #IronArmy | Forged in 1898 pic.twitter.com/qrRvO5qWwc
— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) December 21, 2025
“I think they did exceptionally well considering they had both only been able to train with the team for a day beforehand and I’m sure they're going to be a great asset to us during their loan period," said Pitt.
“I’m also pleased to see West Ham shop stopper Mason Terry back in this game for us after his hand injury and again he showed what he can do when needed as he did today.”
The signings filled the gap left by the midweek departure of star midfielder Marley Miranda to Boreham Wood for a healthy transfer fee.
“I’m sorry to have lost Miranda because he has been outstanding for us this season and several clubs have been in for him.
“But needs must at this club and we have to accept that in terms of off the field finances that's the reality at this club and I wish him well and expect him to make the kind of progress young Lisbie has at Peterborough United.
“It does mean we’ve sold two excellent prospects in recent months but that’s the reality for us at this level.”
The other welcome news for Iron fans in Sunday’s 1,002 crowd is that long-term injured full-back Ryan Clampin has been having specialist treatment and should be fit to return in mid-January.
“His progress is going well and we hope to have him ready next month,” said Pitt.
Here's how you Iron line-up this afternoon 👇🏻
🟠 Dudziak and Drake start and make their debuts
🔵 Terry and Thorpe return from injury and start
🟠 6 changes from our FA Trophy defeat#IronArmy | Forged in 1898 pic.twitter.com/8VBciW7ZrM— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) December 21, 2025
Braintree had to settle for a point against Hartlepool and Pitt felt they perhaps deserved more.
Pitt added: “I felt the first half was fairly even yet we did have chances to have taken the lead.
“The second half overall I felt we were clearly the better side with some great attacking football and in reality we should have scored and won the game which is what I think we deserved.
“But I’m pleased with the way we played and we’re now back to where we were at the end of November and I believe we can now push on from here and build momentum and move further up the table.”
This latest point pushed the Iron another place away from the relegation zone ahead of their Essex home derby against Southend United on Boxing Day, kick-off 3pm.
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