The Glovers secured their first win since returning to the Vanarama National League with a hard-fought victory over Braintree Town. A second-half strike from Morgan Williams made the difference, as the Glovers returned to Somerset with all three points.

The only change to Mark Cooper’s side that kicked off the season at Huish Park against Hartlepool United was the replacement of Harvey Greenslade for Dylan Morgan. Morgan, still recovering from a knock sustained during pre-season, was left out of the squad. Meanwhile, Charlie Cooper returned to the side, and new signing Josh Sims was named on the bench.

As Mark Cooper had predicted in Thursday’s press conference, the match was always going to be a physical battle. Within six minutes, Frank Nouble demonstrated his strength, latching onto a pass and shrugging off a pursuing defender. Unfortunately, his attempted cutback to Jordan Young was intercepted, and the attack broke down.

The first booking of the game came just a minute later. Aaron Jarvis got the better of James Vennings and broke into the Braintree half, only to be dragged back by Vennings, who was promptly shown a yellow card by the referee.

While Jarvis was causing problems in attack, he was also required at the other end of the pitch just 12 minutes in. He made a couple of crucial blocks following a Braintree corner and used his body well to help thwart the home side’s attack. Moments later, the Glovers earned their first corner of the match. Brett McGavin found Jake Wannell at the back post, but Wannell’s looping header drifted wide.

The second booking of the match was issued in the 23rd minute to Braintree’s Callum Powell for arguing with the referee after disputing a decision. Just a minute later, Powell responded with his feet, setting up Inih Effiong, who charged into the box. Despite being put under pressure, Effiong managed to win a corner for Braintree.

On the half-hour mark, Effiong was causing more problems for the Glovers. His effort was well blocked by Matt Worthington, who, along with his teammates, was putting his body on the line to keep Ollie Wright from being troubled. The rebound fell to Powell, who took aim but curled his shot well over the crossbar.

As the half drew to a close, both sides had one more chance in acrobatic fashion. Powell found himself with the ball at the perfect height for a bicycle kick, but his effort went wide of the goal. In added time, Frank Nouble got on the end of a Michael Smith throw-in and flicked the ball over his head, but it also cleared the crossbar.

The Glovers came out for the second half with renewed determination. Whatever Mark Cooper said during the break seemed to have an immediate impact, as within two minutes, Braintree were scrambling. Nouble cut inside from the left wing and found Aaron Jarvis with a low cross. Jarvis turned and shot, but his effort was cleared off the line.

In the 53rd minute, Jordan Young drove forward and shot from range, but his attempt struck Jarvis and trickled wide. This was Young’s final contribution before Cooper made his first substitution, bringing on Sam Pearson. Meanwhile, Jarvis received a yellow card—the first for the Glovers.

On the hour mark, the Glovers finally broke the deadlock and found their first goal of the season. Quick thinking from Sam Pearson led to a short corner to McGavin, who picked out Nouble. As this was happening, Jake Wannell and Morgan Williams made their way into the area, with the latter finding himself in the right place at the right time. Nouble’s lofted ball was met by Williams, who drilled his shot into the top right corner, giving the Glovers a 1-0 lead.

Following the goal, Braintree’s manager Angelo Harrop made his own changes, introducing Kyrell Lisbie and John Akinde in quick succession.

It was the Glovers, however, who came closest to scoring again. A McGavin corner was met by the head of Williams, whose effort was saved by Jacob Knightsbridge. Shortly after, Mark Cooper introduced his new signing, Josh Sims, replacing Greenslade.

Sims made an immediate impact, causing problems in and around the Braintree defence. His quick feet and precise passing allowed him to get a shot away from the edge of the box, but it flashed just wide of the left post.

The final ten minutes were dominated by substitutions, with Harrop bringing on more attacking options while Cooper shored up his defence by introducing Cooper, Thomas, and Araoye. Before Alex Whittle’s departure, he nearly scored. Sims was again involved, cutting the ball back from the left into the path of Whittle, whose shot curled just wide of the far post.

The six minutes of added time saw Braintree resort to long balls into the area, targeting Akinde, Effiong, and their centre-backs who had pushed forward. However, Ollie Wright used his 6’3” frame to claim almost every cross that came his way.

As the Glovers expertly managed the closing stages, the referee blew the final whistle, securing the Glovers their first win back in the Vanarama National League.