With a wealth of experience now at Aldershot's disposal, it ironically took the youth of Michael Harper, on his debut, to revive the side's fortunes with this rousing win over Braintree on Saturday.

Despite having most of the early possession, the home team looked unsettled in the first half.

A frustrated Terry Brown labelled the first 45 minutes "dire fare". Certainly the play was characterised by poor passing and a lack of vision and tempo on both sides.

Nikki Bull, who maintained his place over Gareth Howells, was forced to make an athletic diving save from Mark Jones midway through the half.

Then Aldershot almost took the lead from a rare foray. Seizing on a sweetly delivered Dave Carroll corner, Anthony Charles headed against the upright and Lee Charles followed up with a shot that flew over the bar.

Whatever manager Brown said to his men at the break, it appeared to do the trick because they went about their work in a far more positive manner in the second period.

Teenager Harper, revelling in his first senior appearance, put Aldershot ahead with a rocket-like strike after 57 minutes. Receiving the ball from Richard Gell, he blasted it past a startled Paul Catley into the roof of the net.

His ecstatic reaction said it all, acting as a catalyst for a much-needed confidence boost for Aldershot.

And the youth player was hungry for more.

On 61 minutes, a defensive error by Braintree captain Gavin Cowan let the youngster in on goal and Harper finished with the sure touch of a born striker.

Carroll made way for defender Dominic Sterling, allowing Lee Holsgrove, who had been playing in the unaccustomed position of right-back, to switch to midfield where he looked far more at home.

Aldershot's passing and movement improved dramatically and they looked far more solid.

Late substitute John Nutter added some gloss to the scoreline, unleashing a shot that deflected off Matt Hayter on its way into the net.

"I was absolutely delighted with our supporters in the first half when our football was sterile and nervous and devoid of any good touches," said Terry Brown. "The fans got their just desserts in the second half and I'm delighted with the way it went. It was important for us to keep a clean sheet. We gave them two or three chances, but weren't punished.

"Michael Harper is one of our brightest little jewels and his contribution was massive."

Aldershot: Bull, Hooper, Chewins, Kuhl (Nutter 81 mins), Cousins, A Charles, Carroll (Sterling 61 mins), L Charles (Taylor 78 mins), Harper, Gell, Holsgrove. Attendance: 1,694.