Braintree Town suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Horsham FC on Saturday. Greg Luer scored a goal in each half for the visitors, with Vlad Paternoster netting a late consolation for the Iron. The loss leaves Braintree 20th in the National League - South, with three points from three games and a recent form of LWL.
Horsham took control of the contest despite difficult playing conditions. Manager Dominic Di Paola described the Cressing Road pitch as impossible, forcing his side to adapt their usual passing style. They played more percentage football, focusing on putting the ball into good areas, and their professionalism paid off with two well-taken finishes from Luer. Braintree struggled to gain a foothold for much of the game but showed spirit with a late push. Paternoster's goal changed the mindset of the Horsham players in the closing stages, though the visitors held on for the three points.
Dominic Di Paola was full of praise for his team's application. "We were excellent on the most impossible pitch," the Horsham boss said. He highlighted the maturity his squad displayed in tough circumstances. "I saw some good experience and game management from us which was really pleasing," Di Paola added. His only disappointment was conceding what he termed a sloppy goal, which he stated the team would address in training. The win extended Horsham's unbeaten start to four games and lifted them to second place.
The result is a setback for Braintree's early season ambitions. With four goals scored and eight conceded, their goal difference stands at -4. They now find themselves nine points behind early leaders Dagenham & Redbridge in the title race. The immediate focus must shift to halting this slide, with upcoming fixtures offering a chance to rebuild momentum. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings and stats pages.
Attention now turns to a busy schedule. Braintree Town's next match is a trip to face Ebbsfleet United on August bank holiday Monday. That contest presents a unique challenge, as Ebbsfleet's first four league games have been postponed due to the club's ongoing financial problems. Before that, Horsham, the victors here, host Farnham Town this Saturday. Farnham currently sit 19th in the table.
