Delight for Quinton as Braintree are back in the National League after penalty win drama

Braintree Town manager Brad Quinton who has guided his side back to he National League. (Image: Archant)

The Iron are back in the National League after one season after this exciting game that saw them clinch promotion by winning dramatically on penalties at Hampton and Richmond this afternoon, writes Dave Ward.

Diaz Wright scored the crucial fifth penalty to make it 4-3 much to the joy of the huge amount of Braintree Town supporters in the 3,127 crowd leaving manager Brad Quinton overjoyed.

“I am over the moon to have won promotion at my first attempt and the lads have been truly magnificent,” he said.

“I never thought in my wildest dreams that we could do it particularly as it was our third successive away tie in the play offs.

Diaz Wright, on loan at Iron from Colchester United, at Iron. Scored the winning penalty under immense pressure. Photo: JON WEAVER (Image: Archant)

“We had a game plan and the players stuck to it and gave well over 100 per cent on the day.

“We want to enjoy the moment and we certainly will and then we have to sit down and prepare for next season.

“I must admit, I just can’t believe it.”

Braintree, keeping the same starting line up as they have in the two previous play-off games, were involved in a tense game with Hampton, and they went behind after just eight minutes when Max Kretzschmar was given space on the right and carefully slid the ball into the Iron net.

It was just what the majority in the large crowd had come to see and Iron were certainly up against it at this stage.

However, undeterred by this early setback the Iron kept pressing forward and, as with most of their games this season, they were the stronger side and always created the more goal-scoring chances.

It paid off right on the stroke of half-time when a tremendous left wing run by Dan Thompson saw him break clear before sending over a cross which young Reece Grant connected with on the edge of the penalty to head past goalkeeper Seny Dieng in the home goal for the equaliser.

The second half and extra-time remained a tight affair with the Iron always just having that edge over their hosts.

With tired legs the visitors finished stronger and both Josh Hill and Marcel Barrington went close late on.

But the Iron had to settle for penalties and young Wright duly obliged with an excellent penalty to see Iron back in the National League – the highest league competition for non-league sides.