A brace from leading goalscorer Sean Marks helped BRAINTREE TOWN stretch their lead at the top of Blue Square Bet South to ten points, following a fine 2-1 win at Dover Athletic.

Marks struck twice in the first half to help Iron strengthen their grip on top place.

Braintree manager Rod Stringer said: “I’m really pleased with the lads tonight.

“We played some great stuff before the break and scored two cracking goals.

“But Dover are a good side and came at us second half.

“However my lads responded superbly, we dug in and worked hard to contain them.

“I'm proud of them.”

Iron went ahead midway through the first half when leading scorer Marks unleashed a superb overhead kick past keeper Ross Flitney, after good work by Glenn Poole and Jai Reason.

And the leaders doubled their lead, ten minutes before half-time.

Marks smashed a shot into the top right-hand corner from 12 yards, following Adam Bailey-Dennis’ defence-splitting pass.

Braintree were forced to defend more in the second half but always looked dangerous on the break.

Dover gave themselves a fighting chance with ten minutes to go when Adam Birchall scored from the spot, after Jon Wallis had been fouled in the area.

But striker Jamie Guy saw his stinging drive well saved by Flitney with two minutes to go, as Braintree held on to secure yet another win.

STANWAY ROVERS take on neighbours WIVENHOE TOWN in a Ridgeons League premier division derby at the Hawthorns tonight.

Rovers head into the game, which kicks off at 7.45pm, on the back of a five-match unbeaten run.

The Dragons, in contrast, are out of form and are looking for their first win in 14 matches.