Braintree Town lost at Forest Green in National League

The Iron looked like they were heading for a well-earned point from their National League clash at the New Lawn, after Finley Wilkinson's ten-minute opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Harry Cardwell's equaliser, ten minutes before the break.

But Kyle McAllister netted an 87th-minute winner for the hosts, a goal which Braintree were adamant should have been disallowed.

Iron defender Frank Terry went down injured and was being helped by a team-mate, as they waited for the trainer to come on.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

But with the Braintree pair out, referee Wayne Cartmel incredibly allowed Forest Green to continue with a quick throw in, when he should have stopped the game.

And with the Iron rearguard depleted, the winger had a free run to whip the ball across into the area where McAllister drove into the net.

There was uproar in the Iron camp with two players booked and one of the Braintree coaches sent off.

Referee Cartmel reportedly apologised to Braintree's management for what he said was his mistake, telling them it was entirely his error and the game should have been stopped.

Braintree boss Angelo Harrop said: "I just couldn't believe what I was seeing because the referee knew he should have stopped the game yet in the end his basic mistake cost us getting anything from the game.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

"I don't normally criticise referees as they do have a difficult job and you have to take some of the unfair decisions on the chin.

"But this was disgraceful and then to go into his room afterwards as we are allowed to and the first thing he does is hold his hand up and apologies for his mistake, admitting it was his own error and it shouldn't happen.

"I'm really disappointed at the outcome of a game where we had out tactics right from the start to frustrate them and counter their long balls up to the from their defenders and I think the players did tremendous well, particularly our defence, when they put us under the pressure and I am gutted for them and the supporters we didn't get something from a game which we deserved to.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

"We had a great start scoring a fine goal after ten minutes and then continued to push them hard to get that second goal.

"Unfortunately our goalkeeper, who has been excellent all season for us, made a terrible mistake with his kick out and then was in no man's land when the ball was immediately driven so they scored a scrappy, undeserved equaliser.

"We know they are a well drilled, well financed side which is why they are second in the league but I felt we more than coped with what they offered particularly in the second half and in reality we should have come away with at least a draw and a point but for the referee."

(Image: JON WEAVER)

It was the first time Harrop could name a full bench of substitutes in weeks, with players returning from international duty and injury.

Debutant striker Lanrewaju Balogun, who has joined on dual registration from Step Five side Takeley, was also a plus point for the Iron.

Harrop added: "He joined us this week for training for the first time and I have been impressed by his attitude and commitment and I am sure he will be a great asset to the side.

"We've had him watched several times and that's what a club like Braintree has to do in bringing on players from down the pyramid and giving them the chance at National League level."

"Having a full squad was such a relief and I know the players are buying into what we are trying to do."