Magpies leave it too late (Story posted 17/11/01)

UNITED salvaged some pride from their testing trip to Braintree Town on Saturday, giving their hosts a run for their money in this 2-1 defeat.
An evenly matched first half ended goalless, before Robbie Reinelt finally broke the deadlock immediately after the restart, when he caught the Magpies' defence napping and side-footed the ball home from close range.
Gavin Cowan doubled the lead with a header in the 84th minute to seal the win, before Paul Scott gave the hosts a late scare with a powerful diving header in injury time.
However, the stike was the last touch of the game, giving United no chance to steal a point at the death.