HARPENDEN produced another storming performance on Saturday with a 4-2 victory against Braintree to maintain their unbeaten record and consolidate their position at the top of the table.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead early on with a powerful shot which squeezed through the keeper Brind's legs although the goal only seemed to spark the Blues into life and McAlistair quickly levelled the scores.

Dan Burgess then had a goal disallowed before he set up Russell Timms who contrived to somehow miss from close range.

Wise also missed a number of chances and Harp were made to pay for their carelessness in front of goal when Braintree took the lead for the second time in the match.

Harp managed to draw level before the break though via the penalty spot. The Blues captain, Moxham's strike was blocked on the goal line by a Braintree foot and Tim Flower converted the resultant penalty in confident style.

With an extra man brought back into the midfield for the second half, Harp began to dominate with their pace up front continually causing the Braintree defence problems.

Timms was put clear in front of goal and his shot was illegally stopped on the line to allow Flower to fire home his second penalty of the afternoon.

With five minutes remaining, Harpenden wrapped up the points when Davison and Timms combined to tee up Wise who scored.

November 6, 2001 10:30