Although it has come too late to guide them towards a promotion spot, Braintree have rediscovered the art of winning with a second consecutive league victory, for the first time in over two months.

Saturday's well earned win at Uxbridge followed the four goal hammering of Worthing to give Iron some small consolation for the disappointment of missing out on the chance of playing in the Ryman Premier League next season.

Despite still being unable to call upon six key players for various reasons, Richie Powling at least had the opportunity of again running an eye over several of his fringe squad members and the new manager will certainly have been able to take note of some encouraging signs.

Apart from the usual solid performances of the likes of John Bishop, Russell Tanner, Trevor Gunn and Nicky Smith, there were useful contributions from the youngsters with Scott Forbes particularly looking lively after a long lay-off.

It was a pity that John Devine had to retire with a hamstring injury after only 15 minutes because he was beginning to make his presence felt up front.

Overall it was a good Braintree display against an Uxbridge side that had won 4-2 at Cressing Road and was also currently enjoying a successful round off to the campaign.

The home side made most of the early running in a game that seldom had that end of season flavour, in spite of their being no pressing promotion or relegation issues involved.

But Iron came safely through this initial home pressure and although forced to make a substitution with Aubrey McLeod replacing Devine, gradually began regaining the upper hand.

After going close a couple of times, Braintree took the lead in the 27th minute after McLeod had been impeded near the corner flag.

From a Nicky Smith free kick, John Bishop got up to firmly head the ball past goalkeeper Dawson.

This success spurred Iron on and almost immediately McLeod had a fine 25 yard shot from which Dawson was forced to make an excellent save.

But the visitors were not long in making another breakthrough and in the 30th minute Stef Kendall made a dash towards goal, only to be brought down inside the penalty area. Smith duly obliged by converting the spot kick.

So, in the course of three minutes, Braintree had gained a decisive two goal lead, upon which they seldom lost their grip.

Although Uxbridge came back into the game in the second half and probably had the better of what scoring chances there were, Braintree were solid at the back with Bishop especially a tower of strength.

Forbes was his usual energetic self in midfield and tried hard to open up a tight Uxbridge defence, but Braintree were just unable to find a third goal despite several attempts.

Towards the end young reserves Gavin Cowan and Tyler Hunt were given a few minutes of the action, but the only addition to the scoreline came at the other end when Mick Perry netted a late consolation goal for the home team.

Braintree Town: Cheesewright, Knight, Tanner, Gunn, Bishop (Cowan), Rayner (Hunt), Smith, Betson, Devine (McLeod), Forbes and Kendall.

Braintree's final Ryman League match of the 1998/99 season takes place on Saturday when they entertain Maidenhead United at Cressing Road, (kick-off at 3pm).

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