AN injury-hit Thurrock and play-off outsiders Braintree shared the Blue Square South points in an even affair at Ship Lane.
David Bryant and Fola Orilonishe were both denied early on, the latter being brought down by Billy Burgess when bearing down on goal.
Burgess received just a yellow card for his challenge.
Thurrock continued to press, with Che Stadhart going close.
Then, against the run of play, Braintree took the lead on 38 minutes after Bradley Quinton's cross was smashed home from the right by Michael Shinn.
Although Braintree dominated for long periods after the break, they were hit by a sucker punch themselves on 86 minutes.
Matt Bodkin floated the ball into the box to Bryant, whose effort found substitute Alex Read. Read, with only the keeper to beat, laid the ball back to Bodkin who converted from close range to grab a deserved equaliser.
Other results: xBath City 2 Sutton Utd 3, Bishop's Stortford 1 Fisher Athletic 2, Hampton & Richmond 1 Bognor Regis Town 1, Havant & Waterlooville 0 Maidenhead Utd 3, Hayes & Yeading 3 Cambridge City 1, Lewes 2 Dorchester 0, Newport County 1 Eastbourne Borough 1, St Albans 3 Eastleigh 2, Thurrock 1 Braintree Town 1, Weston-Super-Mare 0 Bromley 1.
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