Sutton United extended their unbeaten run to seven games against a Baintree side that still has play-off aspirations, but Saturday's goal-less draw did nothing to warm up the 485 fans who braved the cold at Gander Green Lane.

At least there was an encouraging debut for midfielder Solomon Taiwo, remembered by Sutton fans as the scorer of one of Bromley's goals in the Kent club's FA Cup win over United three seasons ago.

Having scored twice for Sutton reserves in midweek, Taiwo came in for the injured Tony Quinton and went as close as anyone to breaking the deadlock.

There was just one half chance in a dull first-half, Braintree's Andy Porter sending a header well off target.

Sutton substitute Richard Harris nearly provided the goal that might have lifted the game - but at the wrong end! Harris's miscued header set up visiting skipper Bradley Quinton, who shot across goal. Minutes later Harris crossed for Taiwo to outjump keeper Nick Morgan, only to see his header fly wide.

United were unlucky when referee Ryan Atkin whistled for Hawes' late challenge on McBean, who had already released a pass that might have put Paul Honey through to score on his 300th appearance.

The closest United came was when Burgess and Jones cleared off the line from Gray and Scarborough,while Sutton keeper Phil Wilson had to save from Lee, Hawes and Sullivan.

In the last 10 minutes Baintree manager George Borg, not for the first time at Sutton, was sent to the stand by the referee for an alleged comment to assistant referee James Vallance. It was suggested afterwards that the comment may have come from someone else, but Borg's reluctance to leave could still land him in hot water.

Sutton: Wilson, Palmer, Bray (Harris, 51mins), Scarborough, Gonsalves, Taiwo, Gray, Honey, Gaynor (Henry, 73mins), McBean, Alimi. Att: 485.