Post by dbbn on Feb 18, 2023 18:02:39 GMT
Second placed Dartford came calling to the Dunmow Group Stadium this afternoon and the Iron's unbeaten home record remained in what was not a game for the purists. The only change from Tuesdays win over Dulwich saw a late call up for Chris Regis for Kyron Farrell who had been originally named in the starting eleven. The opening fifteen minutes saw very little in the shape of goal mouth action, again Braintree players again guilty of getting caught offside and both sides showing little quality or composure on the ball and going very direct. Seventeen minutes in and the versatile Altintop playing in the left wing back role slides a ball down the left wing for Blair to chase down, he wins the race and makes for the area and shoots and although not the most powerful shot it somehow squirms between the keepers hands and legs to gift Braintree the lead. Four minutes later and Blair brings a ball down a few yards outside the area and tries to lob the advanced keeper, but it's too hard and clears the bar. Just past the half hour Braintree get a free kick 25 yards or so out on the left and side outside the box. Gene Kennedy goes for a low drive which goes all across the box and just wide of the far post. No real further goal efforts with both sides defending corners and set pieces well.
Dartford were the more attacking side in the second half, assisted by a referee who seemed to favour them when it came to giving free kicks. Carruthers effort from one such free kick took a deflection which wrong footed Sims but fortunately it wasn't on target and goes for a corner. Bonner has a good chance from a Dartford corner but heads over. Again their is little quality in possession from both sides and Braintree's first decent effort of the half came on fifty six minutes, trying to work their way in off the left flank, and being ushered away, Reynolds takes up the mantle from the edge of the box. rounds his marker and as the angle begins to narrow fires in a good shot which the keeper tips onto the bar and Pavey trying to follow up is flagged offside. Not much past the hour and Dartford are level after the best bit of passing and retaining the ball to work an opening with a cross finally driven in from the right and finished on the left where Carruthers comes in unmarked to ram the ball home. Braintree's counters see a lack of men in the middle and are easily defended. Dartford then have another shot from outside the box which Sims takes well with a clean catch. Bonner who had been booked in the first half for taking out Blair as he tried to skip round him, does the same to Rush, but the ref is lenient and he doesn't see a deserved second yellow. The only other effort of note from Braintree came from sub Alfie Matthews who's attempted long distance curler was an easy take for the keeper. Four minutes of added time ended up being six, but Braintree defend a couple of corners well and the game ends one all.
For a team second in the League, Dartford were nothing special, whilst Braintree appear to have changed their style since the arrival of Alfie Pavey and there was little evidence of good passing football. The hard earned point though was enough to keep them in the final play-off spot. Two away League games now follow and also a trip to Chelmsford for the Essex Senior Cup before our next home fixture on 4 March.
Dartford were the more attacking side in the second half, assisted by a referee who seemed to favour them when it came to giving free kicks. Carruthers effort from one such free kick took a deflection which wrong footed Sims but fortunately it wasn't on target and goes for a corner. Bonner has a good chance from a Dartford corner but heads over. Again their is little quality in possession from both sides and Braintree's first decent effort of the half came on fifty six minutes, trying to work their way in off the left flank, and being ushered away, Reynolds takes up the mantle from the edge of the box. rounds his marker and as the angle begins to narrow fires in a good shot which the keeper tips onto the bar and Pavey trying to follow up is flagged offside. Not much past the hour and Dartford are level after the best bit of passing and retaining the ball to work an opening with a cross finally driven in from the right and finished on the left where Carruthers comes in unmarked to ram the ball home. Braintree's counters see a lack of men in the middle and are easily defended. Dartford then have another shot from outside the box which Sims takes well with a clean catch. Bonner who had been booked in the first half for taking out Blair as he tried to skip round him, does the same to Rush, but the ref is lenient and he doesn't see a deserved second yellow. The only other effort of note from Braintree came from sub Alfie Matthews who's attempted long distance curler was an easy take for the keeper. Four minutes of added time ended up being six, but Braintree defend a couple of corners well and the game ends one all.
For a team second in the League, Dartford were nothing special, whilst Braintree appear to have changed their style since the arrival of Alfie Pavey and there was little evidence of good passing football. The hard earned point though was enough to keep them in the final play-off spot. Two away League games now follow and also a trip to Chelmsford for the Essex Senior Cup before our next home fixture on 4 March.
