Promotion-chasing Braintree Town surrendered a two goal lead at the Dripping Pan this afternoon, as the Rooks battled back to secure a draw courtesy of a Joe Keehan brace.

Lewes made a terrible start when Mark Powers' header deceived Lewes keeper Rikki Banks at the near post in the sixth minute.

Braintree looked strong on the break and doubled their lead in the 29th minute when George Purcell broke clear of the defence to slot past Banks.

A two-nil deficit looked inevitable going into the break, but Keehan's header at the far post tgave Lewes supporters some hope for the second half.

The goal was the spur that Lewes needed and they began to dominate as the second period wore on, led by a resurgent Keehan.

Ross Sutton had a couple of chances whilst David Wheeler went close having worked hard to create space for a twenty yard volley which Braintree keeper Craig Holloway scrambled to tip away.

With five minutes remaining, Lewes got the point they deserved when skipper Anthony Barness steered a lob towards the box and Keehan sent a looping volley over Holloway for his seventh goal in the last three league games at the Dripping Pan. Report

The Rooks are next in action against Hastings United on Tuesday night in the Senior Cup third round replay, before travelling to Hampshire for the league game against Havant and Waterlooville.