Braintree picked up a valuable 1-0 victory at struggling Ebbsfleet to move five points clear of the Vanarama National League relegation zone.

John Akinde converted a 36th-minute penalty for Braintree after Kyrell Lisbie was brought down in the box to give the visitors all three points.

Anthony Stewart had a shot saved as Ebbsfleet tried to force a second-half equaliser, while Jacob Pinnington came closest to doubling Braintree’s lead but his effort was kept out.

Ebbsfleet, who have not won in the league since September 14, a run of 20 games, remain at the foot of the table and are now 14 points adrift of safety.