Referee John Brooks received praise from Braintree Town manager Danny Cowley for his “brave” decision in awarding the Iron the penalty that won them their Vanarama National League play-off semi-final first leg at Grimsby Town.

A 24th clean sheet of the season meant Kenny Davis’ 53rd minute spot-kick was enough for the Iron to win 1-0 at Blundell Park and take a one-goal advantage into Sunday’s second leg at the Avanti Stadium.

The penalty came after a foul by Josh Gowling on Simeon Akinola as he surged forward with a trademark run at the opposition defence.

The offence was right on the edge of the home penalty area and a vociferous home crowd felt it was just outside, but Brooks saw it was on the line so had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

And Davis did the rest.

“Kenny was excellent,” said Cowley.

“He didn’t put a pass out of place and he controlled the game in the way that he does.

“He is so composed and he helps everyone around him with his coolness.

“I was really pleased for him because the penalty was a big moment for him.

“It was terrific play by Simeon (Akinola) to win the penalty.

“I had a look back at it and the foul was right on the line and credit to the ref.

“It was a big Grimsby crowd and the referee had to be brave in that moment.

“He was and all credit to him for that.”