Here's what our Hartlepool United writer made of the Pools players as their winless run extended to three matches in Essex.
5. Cameron John: 8
Excellent again. Had his work cut out at left-back and wasn't faultless, losing out once in the first half to Sahid Kamara, but stuck to his task well and impressed once again. Made one vital clearance off the line when Terrell Works looked destined to score. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Nathan Sheron: 6
One crunching slide-tackle in the first half to snuff out a dangerous Braintree attack but was also caught underneath a looping ball on one occasion in the opening exchanges. Worked hard but wasn't at his influential best. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Jamie Miley: 6
One superb flick to Adam Campbell that started a Pools attack but needs to do more if he's to realise his full potential. At the moment, isn't impacting games nearly enough - although Pools need to do much more to get him involved. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Matty Daly: 6
Some nice touches but was generally peripheral and rarely looked like unlocking Braintree's back line. Photo: Frank Reid