A much changed Men's 2XI travelled to in-form Braintree in an attempt to maintain their position at the top of the table. Seven enforced changes due to school matches deprived the men in purple of all their youth but left a very experienced side who have been around the block a few times.

The opening was cagey with the visitors content to let the home side have possession deep in their own half but when Crostyx tried to counter attack their close control let them down and they resorted to forcing passes to little effect. When Braintree broke quickly a clever finish saw the home side go 1 up, which was quickly doubled when a Crostyx short corner was cleared and an early shot left the Crostyx keeper with no chance of a save.

The Crostyx side started the second half much better with some slick passing opening up the Braintree defence and when Janasher Akbar halved the deficit; Crostyx were back in the game. When Crostyx equalised as Akbar crossed for a calm Joe Whitehead finish the scores were level but the visitors were now on the front foot and the nervousness of the home crowd increased as Matt Rowland benefitted from more great passing for his first and Crostyx to take the lead.

Crostyx now put the opposition to the sword and great work from Fred Marshall saw Rowland score his second. When Paul 'Phantom' Murphy ghosted into the circle a slick finish from Akbar saw the game disappear from the home side, yet Crostyx didn't let up. A second for Whitehead and a great diving finish for Tim Jolly saw Crostyx run out comfortable winners 7-2.

The win sees Crostyx retain their top of the league position on goal difference and next week play hosts to Saffron Walden.