Declan Howe on target as Altrincham grab vital victory over Braintree

Altrincham gave their Enterprise National League survival hopes a boost by beating Braintree 2-1 to make it back-to-back home wins.

Declan Howe pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire Altrincham into an early lead following Ollie Crankshaw’s superb cross.

The home side continued to create chances and were rewarded with a second goal soon after the interval, this time Howe the provider for Crankshaw, whose shot hit a post before deflecting in off Braintree goalkeeper Mason Terry.

Braintree pulled one back in the 66th minute as John Akinde played in on-loan Luton winger Taylan Harris to bury his effort inside the near post, but the home side held on for three crucial points.