Still very much in the process of reorganising after a disappointing first half of the season, Braintree are now beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel and will be encouraged by their first win in 17 games.

Recent team changes left only skipper Nicky Smith and Russell Tanner remaining from those who were at Cressing Road 12 months ago, and among the latest batch of newcomers was debut making Alan Keeper, a young central defender from Hornchurch.

This was a game in which Braintree had their best chance in weeks to collect the three points against neighbouring Harlow who themselves are struggling at the wrong end of the Division One table.

But captained by former Braintree favourite Wade Falana, the visitors were no pushovers and there was never a great deal between the sides.

Harlow, now managed by former Arsenal and Colchester United player Ian Allinson, made a lively start but were unable to cause many problems for a Braintree defence that looked a lot more secure than of late with Tanner and Polston setting a good example to their younger colleagues who responded well.

Up front Braintree also showed improvement despite having to be without leading striker Robbie Reinelt through injury.

Recent signing from Romford, Simon Miller was again prominent along with Bradley Quinton and John O'Sullivan who both worked hard in midfield.

Iron took the lead in the 16th minute when Miller gained possession from a long throw from Ian Renshaw to lob into the goalmouth where goalkeeper Daryl Twigg failed to gather cleanly and Declan Perkins was on hand to turn the ball in from close range.

Harlow got an equaliser in the 29th minute when after having signalled for a goal kick, the referee changed his decision and awarded a corner kick instead.

The flag kick was only partially cleared with the rebound falling conveniently for Marvin Samuel who promptly slotted the ball home.

The finishing touch to a good first half display by Braintree came a minute before the interval with Ian Renshaw capping another sound performance in his new role as a wing back when he got on the end of an accurate cross from O'Sullivan who had got free on the left.

This was just the boost Iron needed and enabled them to get into the driving seat for the rest of the game.

The second half became a fairly tight affair with the exchanges at first somewhat disjointed due to a series of stoppages.

But Braintree emerged the more likely scorers with Miller being particularly unlucky with a good effort that clipped the crossbar.

As it was there were no further goals and Braintree were able at long last to celebrate an overdue victory.

Braintree Town: Rust, Renshaw (Pitcher), Tanner, Polston, Keeper, Cowan, O'Sullivan, Quinton, Perkins, Smith and Miller.

Forthcoming fixtures: Saturday, January 22 v Leyton Pennant, Ryman League, away, 3pm; Tuesday, January 25 v Halstead Town, Eastern Floodlit Competition, Cressing Road, 7.45pm.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.