Iron happy with point away at play-off rivals

DOVER ATHLETIC 0

BRAINTREE TOWN 0

(Blue Square South)

THE Iron returned from their day trip to the Kent coast on Saturday disappointed that they hadn't taken all three points from one of their play-off rivals in what had been a keenly fought and overall evenly contested affair.

The reason they didn't pick up a win was down the heroics of the home 'keeper Ross Flitney who several times denied the Iron forwards, particularly in the second half when the visitors were well on top.

It was a game of two goalkeepers in reality for the Iron's Craig Holloway again showed his class by also pulling off some fine saves to stop the home side from scoring, particularly in the first half when they were the more dominant side.

Both managers were in a way on the surface at least content with a draw but both had clearly wanted a win which is why it was such an attacking and an entertaining game.

A draw was perhaps more beneficial to the Iron as they still have a couple of games in hand over some of their rivals but their manager Robbie Garvey knows that a win at home to lowly Dorchester Town this coming Saturday is vital if they are to maintain their push for a play-off place.

It was a slow start to the game, but Whites created the first opening of the match. Shaun Welford swivelled on the edge of the box and put Adam Birchall in on goal. But with just Holloway to beat his shot flew over the bar.

After Sean Marks had glanced a header wide for the visitors, Dover forged another couple of chances. Great play down the wing by Matt Fish resulted in the marauding right-back finding Luis Cumbers unmarked in the area, but his weak shot was charged down by Tom Champion. Nicky Southall tried his luck from 25-yards minutes later, but his shot sailed over the stand.

Dover had an excellent opportunity at the start of the second half though.

Birchall was sent through on goal, but a defender managed to get a foot in to nick the ball away.

It fell kindly for Welford though, but just as he was about to strike for goal, 'keeper Holloway saved bravely at his feet.

The introduction of Robbie Martin seemed to galvanise the Iron, and they went close to taking the lead just after the hour mark. A neat one-two gave George Purcell the chance to volley goalwards, but Flitney stretched to his left to push the ball behind for a corner.

This seemed to kick Dover into life, as moments later Birchall was sent scampering away but his attempted square-ball for Welford was cut out by Champion.

From the resulting corner, Welford's header was well stopped by Holloway, and as Dean Hill looked to put the rebound into the net, Holloway made another fine stop to deny him.

It was the Iron again who came closest to taking maximum points back home with them.

Matt Game sent Purcell racing through on goal, but that man Flitney saved well at his feet.

Overall the Iron have to be satisfied with a point but bearing in mind their stronger showing in the second half they could well have grabbed a winning goal.

Both sides were evenly matched on the day and it was game when goals were going to be in short supply thanks to two dominant defences and two goalkeepers who had outstanding games.

Of the two promotion hopefuls, the Iron still have the upper hand to make the play-offs.