Maidstone matched Ipswich by drawing their final league game before this weekend’s FA Cup meeting.

The Tractor Boys drew 1-1 at Championship leaders Leicester last night and that was also the scoreline at the Gallagher when United met Braintree in National League South.

George Elokobi’s side led through Mo Faal’s second goal in two games since joining on loan from Havant but Joseph Grimwood levelled early in the second half.

Maidstone named striker Manny Duku on the bench following his arrival from Gibraltan club Manchester 62, while three local lads lined up in midfield in Bivesh Gurung, Perri Iandolo and Riley Court - always a nice sight for non-league clubs.

A good opening for Aaron Blair, who got in behind the Maidstone defence, was snuffed out in the early stages.

It proved a half of few genuine chances, with strikes from distance at either end failing to work the keepers.

The two best openings both fell to the hosts.

First, when neat work from Faal on the edge of the box released Jephte Tanga, whose shot was saved.

The second, in the final minute of the half, produced the opening goal with Faal turning neatly in the box and firing across Jack Simms.

Tanga sent a good chance over just after the break after Court and Harry Kyprianou combined neatly.

But Braintree hit back with defender Grimwood meeting a corner for their 52nd-minute equaliser.

Duku was introduced midway through the half and it took a smart save from Simms to deny him a debut goal when played in by Faal with just under 20 minutes remaining.

Maidstone: Covolan, Hoyte, Fowler, Appiah, Kyprianou, Gurung, Court (Brown 80mins), Iandolo (Reynolds 78mins), Sole (Duku 63mins), Faal, Tanga. Subs not used: Ezennolim, Earle.

Braintree: Simms, Davies, Alintop, Grimwood, Tompkins, Blackwell (Davis 67mins), Payne, Pavey, Blair, Coulthirst, Lambe. Subs not used: Miccio, Ward, Brothers, Critchlow.

Referee: Isaac Searle.

Attendance: 1,593.