The possibility of at least a couple of their injured players being able to return for the visit of League leaders Canvey Island on Monday was not forthcoming, and indeed the Braintree side was further weakened by the absence of Simon Milton.

So it was a daunting task that faced a much under strength Braintree team as they took on the probable champions in front of a good Bank Holiday Cressing Road crowd of 552.

But what they lacked in comparison with Canvey's experienced and skilful side, Braintree made up for with a competitive attitude and did well to hold their own for long periods.

Indeed Iron could well have taken the lead on the half hour when Paul Rippingale got through on the right but was just a little too hasty in delivering his cross which failed to reach the waiting and unmarked John Devine.

This proved expensive as straight away Canvey broke with one of their concerted attacks and Chris Payne was left with the easiest of chances as the ball ran loose after Cheesewright have attempted to block.

Ten minutes later the visitors struck again with a fine solo effort by the lively Paul Williams who weaved his way through the Braintree defence before finishing with a well placed shot.

With a safe two goal cushion Canvey were able to ease their way comfortably through the second half and although Braintree never gave up trying there was seldom much likelihood of them making a comeback.

The closest Iron came to scoring was right at the end when the hard working skipper Nicky Smith provided an opening for Devine which was just wide of the mark for what could have been a consolation goal for the home side that were always going to be second best on the day.

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

Forthcoming fixture: Saturday, April 10 v Molesey, Ryman League, away, 3pm.

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