BRAINTREE TOWN'S seven-match unbeaten run was ended after they lost 1-0 at Dulwich Hamlet.
The Iron were beaten at the Champion Hill Stadium but not without a fantastic second-half fightback where had they been a little more clinical in front of goal they would have returned home with at least a deserved point, in National League South.
Braintree manager Ryan Maxwell although pleased with his team's overall performance against the play-off contenders also concurred that it was in that final third where they let themselves down.
The only goal of the game came on 28 minutes from the home side's diminutive winger Darren McQueen.
It was an excellent goal, with the youngster hitting a rising shot from outside the area into the top far corner of the net giving Iron keeper Billy Johnson no chance.
BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT drew 1-1 at Wingate and Finchley, in their latest Pitching In Isthmian League Premier match.
Aaron Blair's 90th-minute equaliser rescued a point for the R's, after Luke Skinner had given the hosts a 30th-minute lead.
The hosts finished with only ten men, after former Colchester United defender Dexter Peter was sent off, late on.
Tough game to assess today but coming from behind away from home to get a point is a huge positive! 12 huge games to go Thanks to all the Rs who travelled once again @Brightlingseafc 🔴⚫️
— brett munyard #⚽️ (@brettmunyard) February 26, 2022
MALDON AND TIPTREE ran out 2-1 winners at Tilbury, in division north.
The Jammers trailed to Brian Moses' first-half goal but Olumide Oluwatimilehin equalised after half-time, before Ade Cole netted the visitors' winner.
HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS thrashed Romford 5-1, at Scraley Road.
Lionel Ainsworth scored a hat-trick, while Andy Fennell and Rhys Henry were also on target.
WITHAM TOWN were beaten 1-0 by high-flying Canvey Island, at the Simarco Stadium.
In the Essex Senior League, STANWAY ROVERS lost 3-0 at home to Woodford Town.
LITTLE OAKLEY were 3-0 winners over visitors Hoddesdon Town.
Dan Rowe, Sam Cooke and Michael Brothers were on target for the Acorns.
Happy for the @LittleOakleyFC boys tonight, 6 wins in a row at any level is a fantastic achievement (Beating the champions elect in this run also!) We've had ups and downs this season but the boys have worked their socks off in training 2 get to the levels we have asked of them
— Matt Carmichael (@Mattcarmichael9) February 26, 2022
In Thurlow Nunn League first division south, WIVENHOE TOWN drew 1-1 with Buckhurst Hill in a top-of-the-table clash.
A strong first-half performance saw the Dragons take the lead through a Tom Ashworth goal.
Wivenhoe then battled hard in the second period to secure a good home point against the title contenders at the M.E.C. Stadium.
HARWICH AND PARKESTON secured a welcome 2-0 win over May and Baker, thanks to goals from Jamie Eades and Shaun Kioussis.
HOLLAND FC drew 1-1 with Hackney Wick, with Jordi Papple on target for the Jaffas.
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