For the second time in three matches Brantham blew a first half lead to end up on the losing side.

This time it was a 4-1 beating by Harleston Town to take their winless run in 2024 to 12 games.

Louie Bloom had netted his second goal in three games to give the Imps the lead going into the break.

Louie Bloom scored (Picture: Nub News)

His goal followed a superb penalty save by Finn Shorten as Brantham more than held their own in the first half.

The penalty was conceded by Alfie Owen Jones who was shown a straight red card shortly before the break.

However, the 10-man, relatively young and inexperienced side could not withstand the Town onslaught with goals from Joe Manning, Asa Mcgeachy and two from Nathan Stone with Harrison Hide, son on boxer Herbie.

Brantham gave debuts to Luke Hart, son of Under-18s coach Dan, and Ollie Thorburn as the club relies increasingly on youngsters.

Brantham have not won in this calendar year, not helped by a wage dispute in January, leading to senior players leaving and the departure of respected management duo Pip Boyland and Alex Drennan.