Comeback kings at it again to down Iron

For a second successive Saturday City struck three times in the second half to turn a game around they trailed at the break. This time it was Braintree Town who lead at half time thanks to Amantchi close range finish on 20 minutes but goals from Alex Fletcher and a Cody Cooke brace saw City run out deserved winners. After a lengthy early stoppage for a head injury to visitors skipper White, it was the Essex side who enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges. Two minutes after they managed to make a mess of a remarkable five on one break, a great move saw Matthews cross to give Amantchi a simple tap-in. Rather than push for a second Braintree were now content to slow the game down – keeper Sims taking an age with every restart – which allowed City to enjoy more possession. On 32 minutes Dan Hayfield saw his close range effort smothered by Sims and seven minutes later Scott Wilson’s looping header found the net but an offside flag halted the celebrations. City continued to apply all the pressure after the interval and moments after a Chris Lines shot flashed inches wide, he provided the corner from which Fletcher headed home a 56th minute equaliser. And within a minute the Romans struck again, Cooke latching onto the ball on the edge of the area to lift a perfect lob over Sims. After this double blow Braintree struggled to get out of their negative mindset and City remained largely in control of the game. Only in the closing stages did they threaten an equaliser and it took a fine save from Joe Wright to keep out Muscatt’s effort with three minutes to go before Clemons headed a free-kick over in the final minute. The win was secured though two minutes into stoppage when Fletcher was brought down by Farrell in the box and Cooke sent Sims the wrong way from the penalty spot.