BRAINTREE Town bowed out of the BBC Essex Senior Cup after losing 2-0 at Saffron Walden Town, writes DAVID WARD.

The Iron were beaten despite a rather youthful side putting up a great second-half fight. with five youth players making their debuts.

With ten changes from the starting line-up and with just four recognised first teamers - John Akinde, Matt Robinson, Kyrell Lisbie and Rio Davidson-Phipp - involved, Iron fans in the 440 crowd knew it would be a hard task for the mix-and-match side to win the game.

But full marks to the youngsters in particular, including a swathe of second-half young debutant substitutes.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

Braintree conceded an own goal six minutes from the interval before putting up a tremendous second-half performance that saw them go close several times in finding that illusive equaliser.

Saffron Walden finally sealed their place in the next round against Tilbury when they grabbed a penalty one minute into added time.

Giving the youngsters their first taste of senior, first team football was a brave move by the Iron management who clearly had an eye on this Saturday's crucial home league game against AFC Fylde, kick-off 3pm.