Here's what our Hartlepool United writer made of the Pools players as their winless run extended to three matches in Essex.
1. George Evans: 9
Kept a third successive away clean sheet and was made to work hard for it. Produced a number of important saves, getting down well to turn Elliot Thorpe's low drive past the post before denying Sahid Kamara and James Vennings in quick succession. Completed a fine performance with a vital reaction stop from substitute Lewis Walker in the fourth and final minute of added time to secure a point for his side, albeit the Braintree man shouldn't have given him a chance from close range. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Jay Benn: 6
A bit of a mixed afternoon. One really purposeful drive in the first half that almost produced a goal but struggled for large parts of the contest and was caught out of position on a handful of occasions. Finished the game well and produced one inch-perfect cross late on. Even so, looks like he could use a rest. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Maxim Kouogun: 7
Was stretched a couple of times by Braintree's lively front line but generally dealt with their considerable threat well and was totally dominant in the air, both from long balls forward and set-pieces. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Tom Parkes: 6
Was dragged out of position on a handful of occasions, particularly once late on in the first half when the tricky Sahid Kamara left him for dead. Found things difficult at times but continued to put his body on the line and produced a number of important blocks and interventions, especially in the second half. Photo: Frank Reid