Forest Green beat Braintree to secure play-off place

Forest Green guaranteed a play-off place with a 3-1 win at home to relegated Braintree in the National League.

D’Mani Mellor put Forest Green in front in the 37th minute, following up to score after Kyle McAllister’s effort had come back off the crossbar.

Goalkeeper Harry Isted came to the hosts’ rescue shortly before half-time as he denied Lewis Walker when the Braintree man found himself through on goal.

But Walker made no mistake in the 58th minute, tapping home from Chay Cooper’s teasing low cross.

Tom Knowles put Forest Green back in front in the 71st minute, finally beating Mason Terry after the keeper had first kept out McAllister’s long-range shot and then Knowles’ header.

Nick Haughton wrapped up the win three minutes later, firing home from Mellor’s pass.