Gravesend & N 3 Braintree 0

GRAVESEND maintained their push for promotion with an impressive home victory over fellow Ryman League Premier Division high flyers Braintree. Andy Ford's side were always in command but needed to wait until the second half before finding the goals to match their territorial advantage.

The opening strike came two minutes after the interval when Craig Wilkins slotted home from inside the box after Jimmy Jackson's persistency had created the opportunity. It was Jackson who was at the heart of most of Fleet's good work and he was involved in the second goal eight minutes later.

The Gravesend midfielder fed Darren Smith whose swerving drive was too hot to handle for the Braintree keeper giving Che Stadhart the chance to smash into an empty net from close range.

The third, and final, goal came with four minutes left as Jackson's run and pass found Stadhart who made no mistake from the edge of the box with a left foot shot.

The result leaves Fleet second in the table, just behind league leaders Canvey Island on goal difference.