BRAINTREE TOWN lie two points off top spot in Blue Square South, after securing a creditable draw at Bromley.

It looked like the Iron were heading for another victory when Sean Marks put them ahead after 16 minutes.

But Dunk equalised for Bromley in the opening stages of the second half, forcing Braintree to settle for a draw at Hayes Lane.

Robbie Garvey’s side have lost only one of their opening nine matches in Blue Square South and lie fourth in the table.

Meanwhile, Braintree have signed former Barnet striker Lee Roache.

The 25-year-old, who has also played for Cambridge City, has left Histon after making just 12 appearances for the Stutes.

But Tommy Tejan-Sie has returned to Dagenham and Redbridge after his loan spell at Cressing Road ended.

WITHAM TOWN lost to Takeley in a five-goal thriller at Spa Road, in the Essex Senior League Cup.

All five goals came in the first half.

Takeley took the lead after just five minutes through Lewis Baker’s free-kick from the edge of the area.

However, Witham were soon level through Kevin Hawes, who powerfully headed home from Craig Emery’s good run and cross.

But Takeley were back in front after 17 minutes when Joe Galsworthy was left unmarked and fired past goalkeeper Dean Grace.

Witham had their chances and were playing well but could not finish their promising build-ups.

However, just a minute later, Town were back on level terms once again.

Niki Love converted from the penalty spot, after David Hawes was adjudged to have been fouled by Takeley goalkeeper James May in the area.

But on the stroke of half-time, Galsworthy netted his second goal of the game for Takeley.

He took advantage of a mix-up in the Witham defence to bundle the ball home.

Both sides had further chances in the second half and Stef Falla headed inches wide from Sam Taylor’s cross late on.

But Witham were unable to force an equaliser and slipped to a narrow defeat.

In the Essex Senior League Cup Group E, TIPTREE UNITED were thrashed 4-0 at home by Bowers and Pitsea.

HALSTEAD TOWN booked a meeting with Witham in the next round of the Essex Senior Cup, after beating WIVENHOE TOWN 3-1.

Ray Turner’s excellent 30-yard effort in the second half prevented the Dragons from recovering.

Halstead went ahead midway through the first half thanks to Tom Devaux’s towering header from Tom Austin’s corner.

Town increased their lead two minutes before the break thanks to Jordan Page’s splendid individual goal.

He wriggled past three defenders before hitting the target inside the far post.

Wivenhoe got back into the tie three minutes after the break when skipper Steve Daly diverted Ed Butcher’s cross into his own net.

The Dragons drew confidence from this and pressed Halstead back for long spells.

But Halstead wrapped things up when Turner spun a defender and left keeper Sam Mansfield helpless with a fine drive, following Wooten’s long clearance.

Elsewhere in the competition, HARWICH AND PARKESTON were beaten 3-1 by Saffron Walden Town.

The Shrimpers conceded three times in the first half and were unable to recover in the second half.