Aldershot Town 1, Braintree Town 0

ADAM McDonnell’s fine free-kick overcame Braintree Town’s dogged resistance and ensured that Aldershot Town avoided a second disappointing home draw in five days.

McDonnell’s strike was The Shots’ only effort on target in a dour 90 minutes which saw a resurgent Iron, led by caretaker manager Hakan Hayrettin, create the better chances.

“Braintree will claim that they deserved a point and we couldn’t argue with that,” admitted Shots assistant manager James Rowe.

“Patience was important and it was always going to take one moment (to win the game). We had a lot of possession but we needed more penetration, to get in behind their defence.

“It’s always difficult with three games in a week, and I thought both teams dropped off toward the end, but that was great artistry, a bit of magic from Adam. A magnificent effort.”

The Irishman’s belated precision was in stark contrast with the poor finishing displayed by the hosts for much of the game. Adam May volleyed over the bar, and McDonnell himself fired in three wayward shots from distance during the first half as the Braintree defence stood strong.

Although still in the relegation zone despite a recent upturn in form, the visitors could have taken a half-time lead as winger Justin Amaluzor created two excellent opportunities. On 23 minutes, he muscled past Lewis Kinsella to set-up Virgil Gomis for a shot which was headed off the line by Gabe Osho; then, in stoppage time, he again broke free to supply Reece Grant, whose drive flashed inches wide of the near post.

Gomis saw another shot, angled toward the far corner, blocked by the feet of Will Mannion at the start of the second half, but steadily their influence waned with the surprising substitution of Amaluzor.

Fenelon’s shot was repelled by impressive Braintree captain Joseph Ellul, and it was Aldershot Town’s own changes which had the greater impact. Short of attacking options due to injury and the departure of Dan Holman, The Shots removed both wingers and pushed McDonnell and May into more advanced positions.

However, when George Fowler’s glancing header from McDonnell’s clipped cross deprived Scott Rendell of a much clearer opportunity, it appeared as though stalemate was the most likely outcome.

Then, on 83 minutes, Marvin McCoy was needlessly pushed over by Mohammad Sagaf 25 yards from goal. Immediately taking control of the resulting set-piece, McDonnell’s left-foot shot curled over the wall and nestled into the top corner of the net before goalkeeper Ashlee Jones could react.

Relief was the overwhelming emotion around the EBB Stadium, coupled with a few nerves, as Braintree Town continued to press for an equaliser through five minutes of added time, but eventually a somewhat workmanlike victory was confirmed.

Individual inspiration has at times been sorely lacking in Waddock’s squad this season, but McDonnell’s burgeoning value to the team – with recent performances which have attracted the attention of several Football League clubs – was illustrated perfectly here.

Aldershot Town: Mannion; McCoy, Osho, Fowler, Kinsella; Gallagher; Fenelon (Howell 70), McDonnell (Lelan 90), May, Wanadio (Booty 73); Rendell. Subs (not used): Cole, Bernard.

Braintree Town: Jones; Muleba, Ellul, Lyons-Foster, Gabriel; Sagaf, James; Amaluzor (Pattison 56), Della-Verde (Cass 88), Grant; Gomis. Subs (not used): Webber, Allen, Ochieng.

Attendance: 1,618.