Braintree Town

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Newport County 3-4 Braintree Town

Braintree Town came out tops in a seven-goal thriller at ten-man Newport County on Tuesday evening.

The visitors prevailed via a brace from Britt Assombalonga, coupled with efforts from Sean Marks and Ben Wright, while Sam Foley, Gary Warren and Romone Rose netted for the Exiles, who had Phil Minshull sent off early on.

Victory lifted the Iron into 12th spot on the Blue Square Bet Premier table with 50 points - 16 more than 17th-placed Newport.

The home team suffered a major blow eight minutes in as Minshull was dismissed for a foul on Brad Quinton.

Braintree made their numerical advantage count soon after through Assombalonga, with the on-loan winger tapping home the opener in the 22nd minute.

The lead, however, was short-lived as Foley drew level seven minutes later with a top corner finish from outside the box.

The goal-mouth action showed little signs of abating as Marks (32) and Wright (35) struck within three minutes of each other before Warren (44) hit back, leaving Braintree 3-2 up at the break.

Alan Devonshire's men extended their lead four minutes into the second period, with Watford-owned Assombalonga getting his second again from close range.

Rose then reduced the deficit with a low finish in stoppage time, but it was not enough as the visitors held out for the points.

Newport bookings: None.

Sending off: Minshull.

Braintree bookings: Paine, Reason.

Ref: Robert Merchant.

Att: 1,101.