Braintree Town produced a remarkable second-half turnaround to overcome Gateshead 3-1 at the Gateshead International Stadium, claiming a crucial three points.
The home side enjoyed a bright start and their early pressure paid dividends in the 35th minute. A well-worked passing move culminated in Regan Booty finding Dan Jones, who calmly slotted the ball home to give Gateshead a 1-0 lead. Despite occasional attacking forays, Braintree struggled to penetrate the resolute Gateshead defence and trailed at the break.
The second half, however, witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum. Braintree emerged with renewed purpose and vigour, pressing forward with increasing intensity. Their sustained pressure finally told in the 57th minute. Kyrell Lisbie’s astute pass found Chay Cooper, who finished with aplomb to level the scores.
Gateshead’s growing frustration was evident, and manager Carl Magnay received a yellow card for dissent in the 63rd minute. Braintree capitalised on the disarray, winning a penalty in the 71st minute. John Akinde stepped up and coolly converted, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage. The Iron’s resurgence continued just three minutes later. A swift counter-attack saw Cooper return the favour to Kyrell Lisbie, who applied a clinical finish to extend Braintree’s lead to 3-1.
Gateshead responded with a series of substitutions in a desperate attempt to salvage the match, but the Braintree defence held firm. The Iron also made changes, introducing fresh legs to see out the victory. The final whistle confirmed a deserved win for Braintree, who climbed to 17th in the National League. The result leaves Gateshead, who had drawn 2-2 with Braintree earlier in the season, in 6th place.