AFTER the heartbreak of a last-ditch defeat on Saturday, it was Braintree Town's turn to celebrate a late late goal three days later, when a 90th minute penalty gave them all three National League points against ninth-placed FC Halifax at the Rare Breed Meat Co Stadium, writes RON FOSKER.

It was no more than they deserved after a thoroughly wholehearted and spirited display that grew in intensity as the match wore on.

They never allowed a skilful but rather tame Halifax side to settle and in the second half in particular were rarely out of the opposition half.

The vital final touch eluded them, as it has done for much of the season, but just as it looked as if the game would fizzle out, they managed to snatch victory from the jaws of another 0-0 draw.

Jermaine Francis, a revelation in both games of his loan spell, was bundled over in the area and referee Alan Young pointed to the spot.

Inih Effiong, again left out of the starting line-up, stepped up to slam the ball decisively into the net.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

Effiong had originally been joined on the bench by his fellow striker John Akinde as manager Angelo Harrop opted for speed rather than brawn up front.

Callum Powell, the smallest player on the field, was given the responsibility of leading the line in the style of Aaron Blair last season, making up in speed and nuisance value what he lacked in height.

Kyrell Lisbie was brought back into the side to offer penetration on both wings,while Matt Robinson and James Vennings battled non-stop in midfield.

Braintree lived dangerously in the early stages, twice being relieved when shots went wide after they had given the ball away.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

But even at that stage they looked the more dangerous of the two sides. Vennings tested Yorkshire nerves when he required keeper Sam Johnson to go full length to keep out a drive from distance, then had a shot blocked and later sent a free kick right across the goalmouth without anyone getting a touch.

Just as they had done against Tamworth on Saturday, and in their previous two games at York and Barnet, Braintree stepped up the pressure in the second half.

Twice early on in the half, Lisbie had the ball whipped off his toe when in a good position and he was in the thick of it again when he twice headed over the bar.

After 63 minutes Harrop decided he might need a bit of brawn after all and sent on both Effiong and Akinde.

They had no more luck - until that crucial spot kick that lifted Iron up two places and out of the relegation zone.

Braintree: Lucas Covolan; George Langston, Louie Annesley, Jamal Fyfield, Frankie Terry; Finley Wilkinson (John Akinde 63), Matt Robinson, James Vennings; Jermaine Francis, Callum Powell Inih Effiong 63), Kyrell Lisbie (Chay Cooper 88).