Braintree's first away game took place last night at Clacton when they faced Holland who are traditionally strong physically and have a definite set game plan.

The starting Braintree lineup looked more familiar than Saturday with no first team players in the mix. Early rain had cleared and the evening looked set for an interesting match between two teams with very contrasting styles.

Braintree made a fairly sprightly start when on eight minutes a good move out of the midfield released Dyson on the right. His strike was on target but the substantial Holland goalkeeper collected it easily. It was end to end and a short while after Holland had a chance of their own from a corner when a player on the edge of the box struck the ball well, requiring a clearance off the Braintree line.

Braintree had a period of good pressing movement but looked vulnerable to Hollands long ball. After a number of warning signs Hollands direct approach paid dividends on the thirty one minute mark when a signature long ball caused confusion in the Braintree defence allowing Holdstock a free strike on goal with only Aldridge between him and the net. He struck home and Braintree found themselves one goal down. Defensive frailties which plagued Braintree for the full ninety minutes had been the cause.

Just four minutes before the half time whistle another defensive error, this time on the half way line, allowed Holdstock to win the ball again and press into a large open gap before a delivery into the box was headed home past Aldridge almost at will. Two goals that must have been both frustrating and disappointing for the Braintree management had started an uphill battle which was about to get worse.

Get worse it did. Yet another defensive failure saw Braintree slice the ball into the air in their own box. It was an opportunity too good to miss and Holland took full advantage. The ball was placed into the back of the Braintree net with efficiency and the game was to all intensive purposes over. Thankfully the half time whistle followed shortly after.

Three goals to nil down at half time which, given the first half's performance by Braintree was not out of place. A constant apparent inability to deal with the same long ball added to a quantity other defensive frailties and a good number of missed chances at the other end added up to a poor performance which had to be improved early in the second period if Braintree were to get anything from the match.

No changes at half time for Braintree as they tried to improve on the first half's showing. As the match progressed a propensity for them to revert to the long ball effectively cutting out the midfield became more evident. Dallinger did manage to hit a channel for Bailey Jones to run on to but he was unable to collect. High balls up to the front line against one of the tallest and most experienced defenders in the league in Ribchester, had no future but it continued. Fifteen minutes in and Bailey Jones was replaced by Hurley and Dallinger by Cleal. A fairly comfortable Holland dropped deeper giving the Braintree side more room to manoeuvre but it did not help. Service to the front line continued to be intercepted or broken down. Cleal did hit a channel but the resulting effort was struck wide.

Evison replaced Travell and move forward. Braintree continued to look vulnerable at the back and on seventy four minutes Holland nearly struck again by beating the Braintree fullback and putting in a dangerous cross which caused confusion in the defence again and a mix up which was only saved by a quick recovery by Aldridge.

Hurley delivered a good cross from the right but no one attacked it and it continued out of play. No sign of Braintrees passing game had appeared in any sustained way throughout the match as long balls and intercepted passes continued.

Just before the end of the game, a small pin prick of light appeared in a very dark performance. In a three minute period, Braintree struck two class strikes testing the Holland 'keeper. The first was from Joe Jones and it sailed into the back of the home sides net. Next Hurley with an equally impressive strike once again beat the Holland 'keeper from distance. It begged the question as to why there had not been more such attempts earlier with the Holland 'keeper obviously susceptible in his handling. It was too little, too late.

This game will leave the Braintree management with plenty to think about before Saturday's game at Framlingham. There appeared to be no ability to recognise or deal with the long ball game plan. Fragility at the back and the lack of play on the ground all played their part. The term 'we move on' will need to mean that. For those that fail to learn the lessons of their mistakes are doomed to repeat them.

Team. Aldridge, Farley-Hearn, Holder, Featherstone, Seal, Thompson, Dallinger, Travell, Bailey Jones, Dyson, Joe Jones.

Subs used. Hurley, Cleal, Evison.
Subs unused. Hawley, Stantiall.