Braintree Town beat Dover Athletic in National League South

An outstanding first-half performance by the Iron literally swept their opponents off their feet, from which the Kent side never recovered.

It set the seal on what was one of the most impressive attacking displays of football this season by Braintree, at the Rare Breed Meat Stadium.

It was certainly no fluke because the Iron dominated the match from start to finish and although the game was effectively over as a contest at half-time, the only disappointment for the home fans in the 691 crowd was that they wasted more goalscoring chances in the second half.

Braintree boss Angelo Harrop said: "I was just pleased with the overall quality of our football for the whole afternoon and full credit to all the players for playing their part in what was a comprehensive victory."

Braintree had the best possible start by taking the lead on just eight minutes when Jaden Davis, given his first start after making his debut as a substitute in last week's win over Truro, strode through the Whites' midfield and rearguard to fire home a great low shot that also gained a slight defection enroute to the net.

The Iron kept up their pressure and after a couple of chances went begging they added a second on 22 minutes when Tom Blackwell's beautifully floated free-kick from the right was met at at the far post with a bullet-like header from Ben Tomkins.

With Pavey holding the ball up front for the Iron as his compatriots around him picked up the laid off passes, the hosts ran riot at the visitors' goal causing a panic in their defence every time.

The expected third goal came on 38 minutes when Pavy's astute through ball saw Blair skip past three defenders and their goalkeeper before sliding the ball into the net from an acute angle, for what was an all-round outstanding piece of football.

Naturally the second half was a bit of anti-climax for home fans who again saw their side repeatedly rip the visitors' defence to shreds and the Iron should easily have added three or four more goals.

One of the closest came on 87 minutes when young debutant and substitute Jack Roberts weaved his way through from the halfway line, holding off four defenders.

But just as he was closing in on goal, the ball rather unkindly ran away from him as the keeper rushed out to gather.

Nevertheless, Braintree were able to comfortably see out victory.