John Akinde helps struggling Braintree claim point at Sutton

John Akinde earned Braintree a precious point in their fight against relegation as they drew 1-1 at Sutton in the National League.

Finley Frank Barbrook fired an early effort wide for Sutton and Kyrell Lisbie hit the side-netting before being denied by Braintree goalkeeper Henry Gray.

Sutton went ahead nine minutes after the break when keeper Jack Sims picked out Josh Coley, who lifted the ball over Gray.

Akinde levelled three minutes later following a mix-up in the home defence, with the veteran striker rounding Sims and slotting into an empty net.

Akinde had a header tipped over by Sims and sent another off target but neither side could find a winner, with Sutton’s Besart Topallaj sent off late on after clashing with Chay Cooper.