Braintree Town 3, Dartford 0
(Vanarama Conference Premier)
BRAINTREE began the year with a bang as they exploded to life late on to see off Dartford on New Year's Day.
Braintree were looking to make it two victories over Dartford over the festive period, after they won 2-0 away in the two club's previous meeting on Boxing Day.
Simeon Akinola just need a bit more of a connection to open the scoring from James Mulley's third minute cross.
After a 20 minute period, Matt Paine tried his luck from 30 yards, but fired just wide with his rasping drive.
For the visitors, Harry Crawford saw an effort deflected wide of the Iron goal. At the other end, Chez Isaac could not get enough on his strike from inside the break just before the break and saw it collected comfortably by Dartford goalkeeper Daren Ibrahim.
The visiting custodian denied Charlie Strutton three minute into the second half before Isaac sent the rebound wide.
Iron boss Alan Devonshire was forced into a change on 58 minutes when injured striker Sean Marks had to be replaced by Jordan Cox.
With chances at a premium, Braintree substitute Kenny Davis saw his shot from the right saved by the goalkeeper.
The game suddenly exploded to life on 78 minutes when Isaac shot home from the right of the box to open the scoring.
Akinola saw an effort blocked in front of goal less than a minute later, but from the ensuing corner he struck home to double the Iron's lead.
Substitute Dan Sparkes came off the bench for Akinola and he hit the third goal five minutes into added time at the end of the match, side-footing a shot past the keeper.
