After Simon Milton had put them in a strong position with two goals in as many minutes midway through the first half, Braintree gained their first win in six games at the expense of local rivals Halstead in the play-off stage of the Floodlight Competition on Tuesday.

The former Ipswich Town midfielder provided just the punch Iron needed to put an end to a recent baron spell which has seen them struggling because of a lack of striking power.

Although Braintree looked somewhat insecure at the back sometimes as Halstead applied early pressure, the home side began getting on top once Milton had put them ahead in the 21st minute.

From a free-kick 25 yards out, the ball was blocked by a defender and it rebounded back to Milton who made no mistake with a firmly driven shot through a crowded goalmouth.

Two minutes later Milton was on target again after initially being put through by Leon Bell and then rounding off a neat passing exchange with a positive finish.

Braintree were now in a strong position and had the opportunity of really turning the screw on the Jewson League side but while still fairly well in control, Iron seldom looked likely to run away with the game.

Halstead in fact came more into the picture in the second half and might have cut the arrears had they been sharper up front but John Cheesewright in goal was rarely troubled all evening.

The last word came from Braintree with Milton again involved, this time providing Terry Rayner with the perfect ball to nip through the middle and beat goalkeeper Bavester with a strong shot.

The win takes Iron into the semi-finals where their opponents will come from the survivors of Leyton Pennant, Clapton or Heybridge Swifts.

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