Braintree Town boss, Brad Quinton, was “proud of his boys” following Tuesday’s night dramatic penalty shoot-out victory at Hemel Hempstead Town, in the National League South play-off eliminator at Vauxhall Road.

After a goalless draw following normal time and 30 minutes of extra-time, The Iron won a penalty shoot-out 3-2, to set up a semi-final tie at Dartford on Sunday.

“It was a great night for the club, and I thought we deserved it. We were superb,” enthused Quinton.

“I thought we defended immensely well. The only way I thought they were going to score was with balls going into the box, from corners.

“We had our chances, especially in extra-time. And fair play to the lads – they kept their nerve during the penalty shoot-out, and were very composed.

“I thought we were well organised,” added Quinton, who is enjoying his first season as Iron boss following the Essex club’s relegation from the National League last year.

Keeper Nathan McDonald, who had made a couple of superb saves during a cat-and-mouse match, then came up trumps by saving a penalty during the shoot-out – he blocked the effort of former Iron midfielder, Scott Shulton.

Striker David Moyo pulled another spot kick wide, while former Arsenal and Colchester United winger Sanchez Watt scooped The Tudors’ fifth penalty onto the bar to hand victory to The Iron.

“Nathan (McDonald) made a great save for us, from the penalty,” continued Quinton.

“Nathan has played with me for years. I am now his manager and I love him to bits.

“I know what he can do with penalties. He is unbelievable, time and time again he makes some great saves.

“Them guys, everything that was thrown at them, they dealt with it.

“And then when we went down the other end, we looked like we could score goals as well.

“I’m so proud of the boys, and now we’ve got a big game on Sunday.

“We will be giving it everything that we have got. We’ve got nothing to lose,” added Quinton.