Jamie Miley enjoyed a dream debut as his stoppage-time goal snatched Hartlepool a 1-1 draw in their Vanarama National League match at Braintree.

Pools forward Reyes Cleary had seen a first-half effort hit a post and then fired over just before the break.

Braintree, seeking a third straight league win, took the lead through a low shot from Jermaine Francis in the 71st minute.

After Town goalkeeper Henry Gray had made fine reaction saves late on to deny Cleary, the visitors grabbed a dramatic late equaliser through substitute Miley – the 21-year-old midfielder having just completed a permanent move from Newcastle.