Braintree failed to force this tie into extra-time after their late goal had sparked a dramatic finale.

Margate grabbed two second-half strikes before Dave Culverhouse pulled one back in the last minute.

Tommy Noble tried to retrieve the ball from the net but tangled with keeper Charlie Mitten. The incident sparked a brawl in the goalmouth which led to the two players being sent off.

For Noble, it was his second red card in as many games after being dismissed in the 2-1 win over Croydon on Saturday.

With Braintree chasing the game, substitute Nicky Smith then conceded a penalty. But striker Leon Braithwaite with a chance to seal the contest for Margate blasted over.

Smith then had a half-chance to force an equaliser but his volley went narrowly over moments before the final whistle.

Margate's front pair of Braithwaite and Akpo Sodje gave the Braintree defence all kinds of problems with the latter twice hitting the woodwork.

The Kent side took a stranglehold of the game in the second half and it was no surprise when they took the lead.

The home defence failed to deal with a corner and Mark Munday took advantage of the indecision to fire home in the 52nd minute.

And the lead was doubled in the 65th minute when Braithwaite broke free and crossed for an unmarked Sodje to leave Catley with no chance.

Published Wednesday, March 6, 2002