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Thurrock 1, Braintree 1

AN injury-hit Thurrock and play-off outsiders Braintree shared the Blue Square South points in an even affair at Ship Lane.

Thurrock had a chance to take the lead after eight minutes when Che Stadhart released David Bryant. Surprisngly, given Bryant's recent run of form which has seen him convert such chances, he lacked composure and shot straight at Nick Morgan in the Iron goal.

Ten minutes later, a Thurrock counter-attack saw Fola Orilonishe break clear, but he was only fouled by Billy Burgess. Many though he had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity but the referee saw it differently and Burgess escaped with only a yellow card.

On 24 minutes, Bai Mas Lettejallow whipped in a cross from the left for Stadhart, but the front man could not connect. Stadhart then turned provider moments later as he beat two players down the left and his cross was bundled goal bound by Bryant but somehow cleared by Russell Edwards.

Thurrock continued to press for a goal, with Stadhart looking the likely goalscorer but he headed straight at Morgan after good work from Matt Bodkin.

Against the run of play, Braintree took the lead on 38 minutes after Bradley Quinton's cross was smashed home from the right by Michael Shinn.

As the second half began, Bodkin found space in the away penalty box only to be brought down by Edwards but despite everyone at the ground thinking it was a penalty, the officials waved play on.

Braintree started to dominate possession and nearly extended their lead when Quinton crashed a free kick against the bar. Andy Porter then tried a long-range lob that was easily saved by David Blackmore.

In the 86th minute, Bodkin floated the ball into the box to Bryant, whose effort found substitute Alex Read. Read, with only the keeper to beat, laid the ball back to Bodkin who converted from close range to grab a deserved equaliser.

With the clock running down, Daniel Tenkorang and "Max" Lettejallow blasted chances over the bar for the home side. At the other end, Blackmore did well to tip Porter's shot onto the bar to ensure that both sides left with a point a piece.

With Greg Lincoln ruled out for the season along with the already injured Leon McKenzie and suspended Rob Swaine, Thurrock will keep a close eye on Tim Cole and Matt Paine who both limped out of action with knocks, ahead of Monday night's trip to Newport County.

Thurrock: Blackmore, Flynn, Clark, Paine (71, Read), Anderson, Cole (12, Hughes), Lettejallow, Orilonishe, Stadhart (76, Tenkorang), Bryant, Bodkin.

Blue Square South, up to and in Sat, April 19

10:13pm Saturday 19th April 2008

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