Crostyx have been flying high in Div 8SE this season. Braintree 4's being the top scorers in the Division and both sides having scored more than 20 goals, the fixture was keenly anticipated.

While home games had been postponed due to snow, Ashton Playing Fields felt postively tropical in the warm autumnal sun. Braintree prepared for a tough game against one of the league leaders and lined up accordingly. Oliver in goal protected by Bird, Douglas and Speakman in defence and flanked by Wright and smioth as flying wing backs. Cakebread and Lincoln patrollking a midfield behind the attacking trio of Waspe, Farr and Fielding.

It was the visitors who took early control of the game. The formation worked and the early chances wentto Braintree forcing saves from Crostyx's keeper. As the half progressed the home side were forced to change their style to cope with the domination of pssesion from Braintree. The half ended goalless but the Knights were encouraged and knew they could get something from the game.

Damina Murray shot the visitors ahead in the second half with a well paced shot from the top of the D. But Crostyx replied shortly afterwards with a well worked short corner.

Farr and Waspe continued to cause problems for the home defence and won a short which was duely converted by Farr with a savoury strike.

The time was running out for the home side and the Braintreee midfield including Joe ferguson and an impressive performance from Tom Wright were keeping the home side at bay.

WIth seconds remaining Crostyx intercepted a Braintree 16 and found a striker in the D who slipped the ball under Jim Oliver to equalise with the very last touch of the game.

Glass half full, Brinatree 4's would have taken a point at the start of the game and been very pleased with it. Glass half empty, Braintree were the better side and should have taken all 3.

Other results have seen Braintree 4's slip to 7th in the table so a win against Witham Academy next week is important to get back into the top half of the division.