Braintree Town 2-0 Torquay United

Torquay United's promotion hopes suffered a blow as two first-half goals gave Braintree victory.

The Gulls, relegated to the Conference at the end of last season, are three points off the play-offs after a sixth away defeat in the league.

Sean Marks flicked Ryan Peters' cross into the net to give Braintree the lead on 20 minutes.

And the hosts secured the win when Simeon Akinola headed past goalkeeper Martin Rice just before the break.