Keaton Ward scored the only goal of the game as Boston United recorded a fourth consecutive away victory in the National League.
Ward’s 16th minute strike, scored at the second attempt, sealed all three points against Braintree Town at Cressing Road.
United had to produce a solid rearguard action to protect their clean sheet – but duly held on for a fourth successive away win for the first time since 2002.
Ward was one of two players coming into the starting XI ahead of kick-off, alongside Connor Teale, as Graham Coughlan opted to freshen things up following their brilliant 3-0 midweek win at Yeovil Town.
Braintree blazed the first chance of the game off target, with full-back Ryan Clampin drilling across goal and wide after motoring into the Boston penalty area.
The Pilgrims took the lead when Jacob Hazel clipped WARD into the clear and after seeing Henry Gray make an initial save, the United number 7 stroked home the rebound.
Jimmy Knowles was close to making it 2-0 a couple of minutes later, but fired wide of the far post when well-placed.
Cameron Gregory made an excellent, sprawling save to deny Kyreece Lisbie, as Braintree cranked up the pressure with a series of set-pieces around the box.
Jai Rowe headed too high from a Ward corner, while United had a number of half-chances to kill off the contest on the break after the interval.
Knowles’ effort deflected behind, Hazel arrowed a low effort a fraction wide and substitute Tony Weston was denied by keeper Gray.
Braintree enjoyed plenty of possession – and set-pieces – but did not unduly trouble Gregory in the second period.
Braintree (4-2-3-1): Henry Gray; Aidan Francis-Clarke, George Langston, Louie Annesely, Ryan Clampin; Marley Marshall-Miranda (Chay Cooper 80), Matt Robinson; Tom Blackwell, Jermaine Francis, Kyreece Lisbie (Alan Judge 60); John Akinde. Subs (not used): Emmanuel Okonuwu, Tyrell Lisbie, Philip Haxthausen-Nielsen (gk).
Boston (3-5-2): Cameron Gregory; Connor Teale, Zak Mills, Brad Nicholson; Jai Rowe, Keaton Ward (Tony Weston 76), Jordan Richards, Dylan Hill, Cameron Green; Jimmy Knowles (Adam Marriott 76), Jacob Hazel (James Gale 76). Subs (not used): Kieran Coates, Martin Woods, Jacob Scott, Jake Lovelace (gk).
Referee: Kirsty Dowle.
Attendance: 1,077 (378 visitors).
PIC: Chris Bray.
