Skrill Conference Premier Braintree Town 1 Aldershot Town 0 Braintree Town boss Alan Devonshire has refused to talk-up his side’s chances of gate-crashing the Skrill Premier play-offs, despite a return to winning ways on Saturday.

East Anglian Daily Times: Braintree players celebrate Dan Holman's goal against AldershotBraintree players celebrate Dan Holman's goal against Aldershot (Image: Archant)

Dan Holman grabbed the only goal of the game after just three minutes, as Iron responded from back-to-back defeats at the hands of Lincoln City.

An in-form Holman benefited from hesitancy in the Shots’ back-line to tuck home past keeper Glenn Morris.

It was the former Histon hit-man’s sixth goal in his last eight appearances.

Although Iron could not add to their advantage, they were rarely threatened by a Shots side who remain stuck in the relegation zone.

Dan Sparkes came close to doubling the lead for the Essex hosts, only for his free-kick to rattle off the bar.

Iron are only five points adrift of the play-offs, with several games in hand over the bulk of teams above them.

But Devonshire is not getting carried away – far from it!

“We’ve got 55 points now, so we’re safe and we can go and enjoy the rest of the season,” insisted Devonshire.

“I think if you were in my position you would think exactly the same.

“There’s not many times when we have gone on a run of a few defeats, so to get back to winning ways is great.

“We’ve had a bit of a patched-up side as well, so all credit to them. We’ve dug in well and got another good result,” added Devonshire.

Iron now face two weeks on the trot when they have Tuesday and Thursday fixtures, in addition to the normal Sarturday games.

They travel to Welling tomorrow evening, entertain Nuneaton Town on Thursday and then travel to Gateshead next Saturday.

BRAINTREE: Hamann, Peters, Wells, Paine, Sparkes, Issac, Davis, Daley (sub Laurent, 80), Mulley, Marks, Holman (sub (sub Jakubiak, 88). Unused subs: McDonald, Maybanks, Holdsworth.

Attendance: 1,090