Heybridge Swifts hopes of Ryman Premier Division survival were dealt a serious blow when they were beaten 3-0 by fellow strugglers and Essex rivals Braintree Town.

The game started so brightly for Heybridge, who really troubled the Iron early on. With just five minutes on the clock, Paul Abrahams' jinxing run left a gaping hole in the home backline, but his decision not to shoot at goal effectively ended the chance, despite Neil Cousins scurrying after the ball as it went behind.

Leon Hunter fired well over for the Swifts from an ambitious shot following good work by Abrahams. Heybridge were arguably the better side during the opening stages, but gradually Braintree eased themselves into the contest.

Former Maldon Town forward Tommy Noble was a particular danger for Braintree and he twice came close, firstly with a header that was cleared by Lewis Baillie, and then secondly with a rasping shot that flew just inches over the Swifts crossbar.

On 25 minutes Braintree took the lead. Paul Cobb, earlier this season on loan at Heybridge, demonstrated his ability when his crisp low shot nestled in the bottom corner.

It was downhill for Heybridge from this point forward, as the goal appeared to seriously dent their morale. In the second half it was much the same.

Braintree, who did little to show they were any better than Heybridge, capitalised on Swifts' errors. It was one of these mistakes that cost Swifts the second goal on the hour mark. Louis Riddle's optimistic cross-shot from the left was fumbled by Banks into his own net.

It was a totally uncharacteristic blunder by Banks, who so often has been the hero for Heybridge, but it was just not to be for Swifts. Victory was achieved for Braintree when Ollie Blackwell, another former Swift, drove home Riddle's left wing cross with 20 minutes remaining.

The few positive points to take from this performance was the spirit shown by players such as captain John Pollard and Danny Barber.

Published Friday, April 25, 2003

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