Braintree booked their place in the next round of the FA Cup with a straightforward 3-0 victory over Needham Market on Tuesday evening. The win provides a welcome boost as the team sits 18th in the National League - South with 10 points from eight games.
The result marks a significant improvement from the 3-3 draw the two sides played out just three days earlier. Braintree have now won three of their last five matches across all competitions, a run that includes a notable league win over leaders Maidstone United.
Angelo Harrop's side controlled the tie from the outset, securing the clean sheet and three goals needed to advance. The performance will serve as a confidence builder ahead of a key league trip to face ninth-placed Dorking Wanderers this Saturday. Braintree will look to continue their momentum when they host Taunton Town in their next fixture.
Manager Angelo Harrop confirmed his side's defensive crisis, stating, "We had two full-backs at centre-back." He told the club's newsroom that Vladimir Paternoster and Michael Olarewaju joined the injury list, forcing Idreess Namisi and Jet Dyer into central roles. This patched-up defence lived dangerously early in the 3-0 replay win, with George Barrett making a key save just before half-time. The victory, which sets up an away tie at Rushden and Diamonds, came despite indifferent play, with the team sitting 18th in the National League - South.
