Braintree Town suffered a 4-3 defeat away to Dorking Wanderers in the National League South on Saturday. The result leaves Steve Pitt's side 18th in the table with 10 points from eight matches, intensifying their early-season relegation concerns.
Freddie Hubbard scored twice for Braintree, including a goal in first-half stoppage time, and Alfie Lewis added a third to briefly put the visitors ahead. But Dorking's Daniel Rogalski struck twice in the final 25 minutes to secure the points for the hosts, who remain unbeaten in seven games across all competitions.
Match timeline
Dorking took an early lead through George Nikaj after 16 minutes and doubled it via Adam Rutherford on 35 minutes. Hubbard pulled one back on the stroke of half-time and then levelled the scores deep into added time. Lewis completed the turnaround for Braintree with a 65th-minute goal, but Rogalski equalised two minutes later and netted the winner with ten minutes remaining.
Injury update
Braintree continue to cope with a lengthy injury list. Winger Harry Forster is due to see a consultant this week regarding surgery for a serious knee injury. Forward Jimmy Muitt is progressing with ball work and could return in October, while midfielder Josh Taylor is on course for a mid-November comeback after resuming non-contact training.
What's next
The defeat extends a mixed run of form for Braintree, who have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five league games. They now face a key home fixture against bottom-placed Walton & Hersham on Tuesday, 6 October.
The defeat at Meadowbank leaves Braintree 19th in the National League South with 10 points from nine games and a goal difference of minus six. Dorking manager Marc White confirmed the match timeline, stating his side's goals came from George Nikaj after 16 minutes, Adam Rutherford on 35 and a Daniel Rogalski brace in the 67th and 80th minutes. This reversed a lead Braintree had built through Freddie Hubbard's double before half-time and Alfie Lewis's 65th-minute strike. The result mirrors the defensive fragility seen in the 3-2 loss at Billericay earlier this month.
Braintree's immediate focus shifts to an FA Cup replay after the new source confirmed they will travel to AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the third qualifying round if they beat Needham Market. The club must first handle tomorrow night's replay against Needham Market, who drew 3-3 with Braintree on 19 September. This cup distraction comes as the side, 19th in the National League South with 10 points from nine games, prepares for a key league fixture against bottom-placed Walton & Hersham on 6 October.
