Braintree Town boss Brad Quinton praised his players for bouncing back as the Iron claimed a 1-0 win at Concord Rangers, writes David Ward.

The Essex side lost 4-3 at Hemel Hempstead at the weekend, but battled back to claim a good win in the rain and the wind at the Aspect Arena on Tuesday.

Phil Roberts got the winning goal for Braintree, who now sit sixth in the Vanarama South table after relegation last season.

For all their dominance at the break the Iron only had one goal to show when in reality they should have scored several more and put the game to bed.

Quinton said: “It was crucial we came back strongly after that (Hemel) game and I know it was scrappy and untidy at times, particularly in worsening second half conditions, but the players did the job and won.

“I thought we were outstanding in the first half with our pace and play down both wings and we created several good scoring chances and in reality we should have been four or five goals up by the break.

“It’s always a worry when you go 1-0 up early on and have so much of the ball, hemming the opposition in their half and creating openings but not taking them.

“That leaves you open to a counter attack and a possible equaliser but the players did an exemplary job in the second half. “On the rare occasions they break through our keeper Nathan McDonald, who knows he didn’t do particularly well last time out, pulled off a couple of really good saves to keep us ahead.”

He added: “I had to make changes for this game to help give some players a rest and again we were a bit leggy in the second but full marks to those players who came in to start and also the second half substitutes played their part in this important win.

“I’m happy with the outcome. It wasn’t a vintage display and we had to grind a result out in the second half but I never felt we would lose, although again we need to convert our chances and be more clinical in front of goal to win better.”

- Braintree host Royston Town in the second round of FA Cup qualifying on Saturday.