Salisbury's Nationwide Conference play-off final with Braintree yesterday was always going to be a tough encounter - and totally different from the exciting and football-filled semi-finals against Bishops Stortford.

In truth, Salisbury had to grind out a result to get their reward, which they achieved through a stunning Matt Tubb strike in the closing stages.

Early on, the ever-dangerous Robbie Martin fired a free kick from the edge of the box over the top.

Then, on 20 minutes, James Baker shot wide after Clarke's punch did not make sufficient clearance.

Three minutes later Salisbury made their first threat when Michael Fowler showed great invention with a free-kick just outside the Iron penalty area.

Instead of delivering a cross, he passed the ball to the right of the wall where Tubbs just failed to get a sufficient touch to prevent it sliding into the side netting.

On 36 minutes Salisbury were denied what would have been a harsh penalty when Braintree defender Russ Edwards fell on the ball and handled.

Five minutes before the break Luke Prince delivered a low cross from the left for Tubbs to put a first time effort over the top.

Shortly before the break, Prince had a shot easily saved by keeper Nick Morgan.

On 61 minutes Salisbury had a lucky escape when a free kick by Bradley Guingon saw Andy Potter lob the ball on for Bertie Brayley, whose sliding attempt went wide.

Three minutes later Salisbury went close when Tubbs crossed and Fowler squared the ball for Paul Sales, whose effort was blocked.

As the game began to open up Martin crossed into the box for Edwards to head over.

City had a real let-off on the hour when captain Aaron Cook hit a back pass too strongly wide of Clarke - but luckily also wide of the upright.

On 62 minutes Tubbs saw a header knocked over his own bar by Edwards and Salisbury's Tim Bond had a close-range shot on the turn blocked.

On 73 minutes Brayley threaded a ball through to Baker, whose shot cannoned away off a post.

Braintree were coming forward with purpose but were stopped in their tracks with seven minutes remaining.

Sub Robbie Matthews was given time to turn on the half-way line and, after running a few yards, he played the ball wide to Prince.

The speedy wingman got to the by-line and delivered a low cross for Tubbs to nip in front of a defender and blast the ball home from close range.

Moments later the Iron were unlucky when James Hawes found Clarke at his brilliant best to keep out a header.

As the clock was running down, Braintree made all three substitutions - but they couldn't break down the City defence.

And the 1,000-plus Salisbury were sent into ecstasy as the referee blew for time.