Braintree Town's unbeaten start to the season was ended by a 2-1 home defeat to Horsham at Cressing Road. Goals from Greg Luer in each half put the visitors in control before Vlad Paternoster's late strike set up a tense finish.
Horsham took the lead in the first half through Luer and the forward doubled their advantage after the break. Braintree, who had begun the campaign with three consecutive draws, fought back when Paternoster found the net. The hosts could not find an equaliser, however, and Horsham held on to move up to second place in the National League South table.
How the game unfolded
The result means Braintree drop to 15th in the early standings, having taken three points from their opening four matches. The defeat follows a run of draws against Bath City, Eastbourne Borough and Havant & Waterlooville.
Dominic Di Paola's Horsham side extended their own unbeaten start to four games with the victory. Their next fixture is at home to Farnham Town this Saturday. Braintree will look to bounce back when they face Ebbsfleet United on the August bank holiday Monday. Ebbsfleet's first four games of the season have been suspended due to the club's ongoing financial issues.
Braintree's upcoming schedule is available on our fixtures page. The late goal from Paternoster provided a glimmer of hope but the team could not avoid a first loss of the campaign. The squad will now prepare for their next match away from home.
