Braintree 3 Lewes 0.

Lewes boss Steven King admitted his leaders got what they deserved at Braintree last night - nothing.

Patched-up Rooks suffered their first defeat in five matches and their first away loss since December 8.

They were left pointless as their play-off chasing hosts scored three goals with a touch of fortune.

The only consolation for King was the debut of former Republic of Ireland international Mark Kinsella.

King said: "It was one of those nights. We had four or five chances but didn't take them and if you don't do that you get what you deserve.

"I'm not using our injury problems as an excuse, although losing Paul Booth two hours before kick-off didn't help.

"Mark was outstanding. He never gave the ball away and created a few chances."

King sent out his walking wounded hoping they could produce the result to extend their two-point advantage over Sussex rivals Eastbourne Borough.

Rooks' injury crisis left King choosing from the bare bones of his squad.

Simon Wormull and Dale Binns were beyond inclusion because of ankle problems so Kinsella, who has signed on for emergencies, came in for his debut.

Kinsella's role was to support the ailing Gary Holloway, who played despite an eye injury, and Tom Davis in a three-man midfield with King opting for 4-3-3 instead of 4-4-2.

Jean-Michel Sigere, who is struggling with a hamstring injury, was forced into action with leading scorer Booth ruled out with a stomach bug.

To complete the bench, Lewis Hamilton (hamstring) and Leon Legge (dead leg) made up the numbers.

To rub salt into Lewes' wounds they went one down after just eight minutes.

Visiting defender Ian Simpemba charged down a Brad Quinton drive but the ball spun out to Chris Sullivan and his speculative shot was diverted past Steve Williams by Billy Burgess.

After falling behind Lewes took control and created a series of chances with Kinsella using his experience.

Kinsella, who is now reserve team manager at Charlton after a distinguished career with Aston Villa, West Brom and the Addicks, took charge at set-pieces and from one of his free-kicks Andy Drury headed against a post.

Drury could have had a first-half hat-trick as he had one effort saved by Nicky Morgan before missing the target from close range.

Kinsella became an increasing influence, showing a commitment to the cause with a fierce tackle and another challenge on James Hawes which earned him a booking.

Within two minutes of the restart the match was effectively lost as a cross-shot from Richard Jolly looped high over Williams and into the top corner.

Rooks were stunned and it went from bad to worse as a 35-yard free-kick from Quinton took a deflection en route to the back of Williams' net as Braintree made it 3-0 on 64 minutes.

King threw on substitute Jamie Cade, who was back after a month's loan at Tonbridge Angels, and he looked lively but with Kinsella tiring and lack of creativity up front in the later stages it was clear that the game was up.

Braintree: Morgan, Burgess, M.Jones, Edwards, Cousins, Quinton, Hawes, Porter, R.Jolly, Deane (sub Smith 89), Sullivan (sub Cross 80). Subs not used: Boot, Good, Moran.

Lewes: Williams, Conroy, Barness, Kinsella (sub Groves 80), Robinson, Simpemba, Drury, Holloway, Davis, Sigere, Ide (sub Cade 70). Subs not used: Barr, Hamilton, Legge.

Attendance: 500 Man-of-the-match: Mark Kinsella.