Braintree snapped a three-match losing run in the Vanarama National League as Inih Effiong’s last-gasp penalty helped them to a 1-0 win over Halifax.

Despite going into the game with one win from 10 games and up against a Halifax side who were unbeaten in five, Braintree were the better side for much of the first half, with James Vennings denied when goalkeeper Sam Johnson tipped away.

Vennings’ free-kick then crept wide just before half-time, after which Kyrell Lisbie missed the target with two headers from close range as Braintree continued to go closest to breaking the deadlock.

They were presented with a gilt-edged opportunity in the 90th minute when Jermaine Francis was pushed to the ground in the area and Effiong coolly dispatched his spot-kick.