Keaton Ward gives Boston an important victory at Braintree

Keaton Ward’s early goal boosted Boston’s National League survival hopes as they won 1-0 away to Braintree.

Braintree had the first big chance when Ryan Clampin burst into the box only to pull his shot narrowly wide, and instead Keaton Ward’s calm finish put the Pilgrims in front in the 16th minute.

Boston goalkeeper Cameron Gregory denied Kyreece Lisbie and Braintree kept the pressure on for the rest of the half in search of an equaliser.

Boston were still needing to defend after the break, with Jordan Richards blocking John Akinde’s powerful shot, and late on Braintree goalkeeper Henry Gray did well to deny Tony Weston a second for the visitors.