Iron dominate before the break - and are good value for a point Braintree Town remain in second place in the Blue Square Bet South Division table following Bank Holiday Monday's goal-less draw at Ebbsfleet United. The Iron started brightly and, with Sam Lechmere and Danny Green being used to good effect on the flanks, dominated the first forty-five minutes. The best chance of the half falling to Sean Marks on 27 minutes. Danny Green's cross from the left found Sean at the near post and his glancing header just missed the near upright. After the break Ebbsfleet had more of the possession, but both sides continued to push forward in search of a winning goal. On 77 minutes a snapshot from the edge of the home 18-yard box from substitute Jamie Guy zipped just wide of the far right post. Three minutes later Tom Bruno broke free of the home defence, released Guy but Jamie's shot was blocked by the home keeper. In the last minutes the home side could have snatched all three points when Ram Marwa let fly from the edge of the box, but his effort was superbly tipped over by Braintree keeper Nathan McDonald. After the game Iron Manager Rod Stringer was pleased with his side's performance: "I felt we were the better side before the break and defended well afterwards. Sean was causing them problems during the first half and we put on both Dave Bryant and Jamie Guy after the break to chase the win. Ebbsfleet are a good side and I felt we both deserved something from the game. It's been a good weekend and I'm happy to have taken the four points." MARKS FIRES IRON TO DERBY WIN Marks Brace sets Iron up - for fourth win in five Braintree eased to a three-goal victory over Essex neighbours Chelmsford City in a pulsating local derby at Cressing Road. The home side started brightly and could have snatched the lead in the first minute. A throw on the right found Jamie Guy in space. He fed Sean Marks, who's shot was well blocked by Chelmsford keeper James Pullen. Moments later Brad Quinton released Jamie Guy from wide on the left and Guy's snapshot zipped just over. On six minutes Dave Bryant broke free of the Chelmsford defence and release Guy who drove into the side-netting. As the half wore on Chelmsford came more into the game. After ten minutes Chelmsford's Dave Rainford tried his luck from a tight angle, but his drive was well stopped by Braintree keeper Nathan McDonald. On 22 minutes Chelmsford's Matthew Lock crossed from the right and found Sami El-Abd unmarked at the far post, but he headed wide. Four minutes later another Chelmsford break saw Takumi Ake's cross to Anthony Cook wide on the right hooked back across the Braintree goal for John Martin who headed just wide of the upright. Chelmsford claimed for a penalty on the half hour. Martin released Ake and he raced into the Braintree 18-yard box before colliding with McDonald, but the well-positioned referee waved away appeals for a spot kick. Braintree took the lead on 34 minutes. A Quinton free-kick was met by Adam Bailey-Dennis who saw his header come back off the crossbar. Kenny Davis followed up, saw his effort blocked, but the free ball fell to the predatory Sean Marks who crashed the ball home from close range. After the break, Braintree upped the tempo and Marks could have extended his side's lead on 50 minutes. A Mark Jones throw finding substitute Tom Bruno in space and his cross found Marks who shot just wide. Braintree continued to push forward and Bailey-Dennis saw his 63rd minute free-kick dip just over from 25 yards. But the killer second goal finally came on 75 minutes. Substitute Sam Lechmere broke on the right. Tormenting the City defence, he cut inside two defenders before firing in his shot. His effort was blocked back to Sean Marks who saw his effort take a wicked deflection to leave Pullen stranded as the ball rolled slowly inside the far upright. On 79 minutes Braintree could have added a third when Matt Paine headed just wide from a superb Dave Bryant cross, but the third did come in the last minute. A Lechmere free-kick on the right was floated into the City 18-yard box for the incoming Bailey-Dennis to thunder his header past Pullen into the top right hand corner. After the game Braintree manager Rod Stringer was pleased: "I felt we got the tactics right today and scored goals at the right time. Sean Marks is on fire at the moment, but I felt our midfield worked their socks off. Chelmsford are a good side and will be up there. It's early days for our new squad, but all the lads can be pleased with our progress so far." Attendance: 1265. Teams: Braintree Town: McDonald, Starkey, Jones, Bailey-Dennis, Paine, Quinton (Bruno 45), Bryant (Green 90), Symons, Davis, Marks, Guy (Lechmere 71). Un-used subs: Alaile, Holloway. Chelmsford City: Pullen, Cook, Patterson, Tann, El-Abd, Rainford, Lock (Reed 39), Martin, Higgins, Modeste (Bricknell 45), Ake (Edmans 71). Subs: Belllamy, Haines. FOOTBALL CLUB CONFUSED BY COUNCIL STATEMENT statement this week contradicts - submission by developers in July Braintree Town Football Club have seen the comments attributed to Braintree Council and Mersea Homes in this week's edition of the Braintree & Witham Times. The Football Club are pleased with comments that seem to suggest that Braintree Council's commitment to our relocation remaining an integral part of their Local Development Framework Core Strategy remains unchanged. However, the Football Club remain concerned that the comments made this week do not sit comfortably with the submission made on 8 July, to Braintree Council as part of their consultation on the draft Core Strategy, by the Mersea Homes and Hills Group when they stated that they did not believe the Core Strategy was sound. They went on to state that they were concerned about some of the specific items included in the Core Strategy. They added that although parts of the Core Strategy provided for relocation, they were not key infrastructure and that on that basis should be removed. To achieve soundness, Mersea Homes and Hills Group argued that the items for both Braintree College and Braintree Town Football Club should be removed from the section on 'Panfield Lane Growth Location'. Football Club Chairman Lee Harding was confused: "I don't wish to appear pedantic, but this is the future of our club and is make or break for us - we have to get it right. We obviously welcome the comments made this week by Braintree Council and Mersea Homes, but the submission made on 8 July by Mersea Homes and Hills Group is very specific. They propose the deletion of the inclusion of the commitment to relocation of the Football Club in the Core Strategy. The two obviously contradict each other." Harding added: "If our local authority do decide to support the submission from their preferred developers-elect for Panfield Lane, then we will look once again at the further redevelopment of our site here at Cressing Road. We all know that we have more than enough space here, but I have always doubted the sense in upgrading this location to a level that would meet the entry requirements of the Football League. On days like Saturday when we have four figure crowds, the additional parking requirements dictate that we cause massive inconvenience to our neighbours. Personally, I also saw the relocation of the Club as a great opportunity to work with Braintree Council to assist with the regeneration of this part of Braintree. I'm not sure that our town needs more five and six bedroom houses, but a development of affordable homes on this site following our relocation would have helped those aspiring to get on the Braintree housing ladder. In addition, given the land adjacent owned by Braintree Council (which the Football Club lease), it would also generate millions of pounds in capital receipts for our local authority. A win, win scenario surely?" IRON BACK UP TO SECOND Two from Sean Marks - and a Jamie Guy penalty secure the points Braintree Town moved up one place to second in the Blue Square Bet South Division table following Tuesday evening's odd goal in five victory over visitors Boreham Wood under the Cressing Road floodlights. After a scrappy opening, Iron stepped up a gear to take control during a pulsating first half. After 13 minutes a Phil Starkey pass released Brad Quinton who saw his drive from the edge of the visitors 18 yard box deflected over for a corner. Playing a high-tempo game Iron took the lead on 24 minutes. A Sam Lechmere cross from the right found Quinton unmarked at the far post and his goal-bound header was stabbed over the goal-line by the predatory Sean Marks. Braintree continued to push forward and on 33 minutes a vicious Quinton free-kick was parried by Boreham Wood keeper Gareth Williams and then scrambled to safety by defenders. Moments later more chaos followed in the Boreham Wood defence as they threw bodies in the way to block efforts from Quinton, Marks and Kenny Davis, but the second was not long in coming. Six minutes before the interval, Braintree surged forward on the left. Danny Green's cross found Quinton, who saw his shot blocked, but the loose ball fell to Marks who volleyed past the stranded Williams for 2-0. Just before the break Boreham Wood could have pulled a goal back. A half cleared corner fell to former Iron Ryan Moran and his crisp drive had to be well blocked by Iron keeper Nathan McDonald. After the break Braintree continued to hold the upper hand early on and could have added a third on 54 minutes when Quinton's shot from a corner dipped just over. But Boreham Wood always posed a threat on the counter and, released from sustained home pressure, a neat four-man passing move from the visitors saw the ball fall kindly to the unmarked Elliot Godfrey who drove his shot into the top right hand corner to make it 2-1. The visitors now enjoyed more of the possession and could have levelled on 71 minutes when Lee Allinson's effort was tipped round the post by McDonald. Ten minutes from time, Claude Seanla tried his luck for the visitors from 25 yards, but the effort sailed over. With the visitors pushing players forward in search of an equaliser it was then Braintree who scored on the counter on 88 minutes. Lechmere was released on the right by Davis. The Iron winger raced 50 yards into the visitors penalty area before being unceremoniously scythed down by Boreham Wood defender Ryan Moran, who did well to avoid a straight dismissal as the last defender, but conceded the penalty. Up stepped substitute Jamie Guy to send the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-1. as a consolation, Boreham Wood added a second in the fifth minute of time added on. Starkey was rather harshly adjudged to have fouled Blackburne in the Braintree 18-yard box and the Boreham Wood defender picked himself up to drive his spot kick into the roof of the net over McDonald. But there was little time remaining and Iron saw out time to secure the three points. After the game Braintree Manager Rod Stringer was pleased with the result: "I felt we did more than enough in the first half to win the game and could have been four or five-up at the break. But, fair play to Boreham Wood second half, they had a go and their goal gave them a bit of belief. We defended well and the third put the game beyond doubt." FOOTBALL CLUB CONCERNED BY POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL OF SUPPORT FOR RELOCATION Braintree Council to decide - on 27 September Braintree Town Football Club are monitoring the progress of Braintree District Council's Local Development Framework with interest. The Football Club note that, despite the abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategy by Government, The Council have decided, at their LDF Panel meeting on 4 August, to continue preparations of their Core Strategy. To date, while their had been much discussion on the best site for a new stadium for The Football Club, The Football Club have been pleased that the Council had included, as part of its Core Strategy, a commitment towards the relocation of The Football Club. The Football Club are aware of The Council's support for a growth location on land adjacent to Panfield Lane and the likelihood that the Mersea Homes and Hills Group would be responsible for delivering the growth area and, as such, are a key partner in the implementation of the Core Strategy. The Football Club are therefore very concerned that, in their latest submission to The Council's Draft Core Strategy document, the Mersea Homes and Hills Group are now proposing to The Council that they should delete the inclusion of the relocation of The Football Club at the Panfield Lane growth location. Football Club Chairman Lee Harding said: "As I have said before, the Football Club believe that, for it to grow in the future, it will need better facilities and better access and that this would be best served at a new location. We were pleased that The Council had supported this fundamental concept by including a clear commitment to our relocation in their Core Strategy. We have long held the view that Pod's Brook Road was the best location, not just for The Football Club, but for the town as a whole. That said, we understand that The Council prefer Panfield Lane and included a provision for a new stadium at that location. We also understand that the Mersea Homes and Hills Group would be responsible for delivering the Panfield Lane growth area, so for them to propose the deletion of a new stadium site at Panfield Lane is a body blow for us. In simple terms, we prefer a site for a new stadium, that does not have the support of The Council, while The Council have a preferred site for a new stadium that their developers do not support and wish to exclude us from! We are very concerned about this latest development." 10-MAN IRON HELD AT ST. ALBANS Re-organised Braintree side - dominate second half Iron travelled to Clarence Park to visit unbeaten St. Albans City and came home with a point from a hard-fought goal-less draw. The home side were on top for much of the first 45 minutes and as early as the opening sixty seconds St. Albans' James Fisher broke free of the Braintree defence on the right but saw his snapshot dip just over Nathan McDonald's cross bar. Three minutes later St. Albans' Inih Effiong also found space on the right but was unable to keep his effort down. After 15 minutes Braintree created arguably their best chance of the half when Sam Lechmere's cross from the right found Sean Marks unmarked at the far post, but the Braintree forward's header skimmed the top of the goal net. The Iron defence was finding it difficult to come to terms with the lively Saints forward line and conceded a number of free-kicks, although the ease with which the St. Albans players dramatically went to ground was a concern. This led to cautions and then the dismissal of Adam Bailey Dennis just before the interval. The second half therefore saw Braintree re-organise with Michael Alaile coming on for Brad Quinton and take up an attacking 4-4-1 formation. Rather than sit back, ten-man Braintree took the game to the home side and dominated after the break. Ten minutes after the re-start, another Lechmere cross found Marks again but, as before, the effort dipped just over the crossbar. Three minutes later a poor clearance from the home defence was hoisted back into the home 18-yard box. Kenny Davis saw his shot and follow-up both blocked by home keeper Paul Bastock who began leading a charmed life in the St. Albans goal. With twenty-five minutes to go, Iron Manager Rod Stringer went for the win, bringing on both Jamie Guy and Dave Bryant. On 77 minutes Lechmere tried his luck with a shot from the right, his effort was blocked by Bastock and Davis headed the rebound over. Finally the match referee lost patience with the home side's regular diving and booked St. Albans' Adam Martin for feigning injury. With five minutes left Nicky Symons tucked his free-kick in to the home 18 yard box from the right to the waiting Bryant, who turned his man and shot, only for Bastock to perform more heroics for the home side and block the effort with his face! In time added on Lechmere broke on the right, saw his shot blocked by Bastock before Davis drove the rebound wide of the upright. After the game Iron Manager Rod Stringer was content: "We've played half the game with ten men and looked the better side. That said, they caused us problems first half and deserved something from the match. Not our best performance of the three so far, but we've not conceded and remain unbeaten. See you all Tuesday!" Next up for Braintree Town is indeed on Tuesday when Iron entertain Boreham Wood in another Blue Square Bet South Division match, with kick-off at 7.45pm. BRAINTREE BACK ON TOP Second three-goal win - sees Iron impress at Maidenhead An accomplished performance from Braintree Town saw them back to the top of the Blue Square Bet South Division table after a second successive three-goal victory in three days at Maidenhead United on Tuesday evening. With the starting line-up exactly as Saturday, Iron took a 27th minute lead. Brad Quinton's corner on the left being only half cleared to the waiting Sam Lechmere, who despatched a stinging drive into the bottom right corner past stranded Maidenhead 'keeper Steve Williams. Just before the break Iron could have doubled their advantage as Danny Green let fly from 20 yards, but his effort dipped just wide of the upright. Home side Maidenhead United responded positively after the interval and, just after the re-start, their Keiron St Aimie saw his snap shot deflected just over Nathan McDonald's crossbar. On 55 minutes McDonald had to be at his best to pull off a great save to deny a shot from Maidenhead's Ashley Smith after the home midfield's mazey run had opened up the Braintree defence. But Iron soon regained their first-half composure and added a second on 61 minutes. Mark Jones made ground on the left breaking into the home half and swept in an inch-perfect cross for the unmarked Kenny Davis to guide his glancing header just inside the far right-hand upright. Braintree were now enjoying plenty of possession and were good value to make it 3-0 after 68 minutes. Persistence on the right from Lechmere saw him break past the left back and drill a superb cross from the goal-line back across the face of the Maidenhead goal for the predatory Sean Marks to slide the ball home. Moments later Lechmere could have made it 4-0 when he let fly from wide on the right, but Williams pulled off a superb save to deny him. As on Saturday, late substitutions saw Jack Clark, Jamie Guy and Dave Bryant come into the fray as Iron dominated the closing stages. After the game, Iron Manager Rod Stringer was pleased with his sides' performance: "The lads have worked hard for the full ninety minutes here tonight. We shut down the space and all three goals were well executed. Maidenhead worked hard and Drax has got a good side here, so it was another good three points for us." IRON COAST TO OPENING WIN Three-up at the break - Iron look good in orange! Wearing their retro orange and blue kit, Braintree made a great start and took a fifth minute lead. Sam Lechmere's corner from the right being met by a powerful Adam Bailey-Dennis header that smashed into the top right hand corner past Farnborough keeper Michael Jordan. Farnborough looked dangerous on the break, but too often their long-ball tactics found little change from the home defence. Braintree extended their lead on the half hour. Lechmere pounced on hesitancy in the Farnborough defence to force his way into the visitors 18 yard box. He looked up and unselfishly pulled the ball back to the unmarked Sean Marks who steered the ball past Jordan at the far post. Braintree made it three just before the break. Persistence from Danny Green opened up the Farnborough defence. An interception fell to Lechmere who swept past the Farnborough defence before drilling the ball through Jordan's despairing grasp into the roof of the net. Braintree continued to push forward after the break. On 52 minutes Sean Marks saw his effort from the edge of the box dip just over the bar and, two minutes later, Brad Quinton's shot from the left required a great stop from Jordan. Farnborough were limited to rare attacks on the break. On 76 minutes a cross from the left found Bradley Bubb unmarked on the far post, but he ballooned his effort high and wide. Attendance: 501 Teams: Braintree Town: McDonald, Starkey, Jones, Bailey-Dennis, Paine, Quinton (Bryant 87), Lechmere, Symons, Davis, Marks (Guy 82), Green (Clark 88). Subs: Alaile, Bruno. Farnborough: Jordan, Braham-Barrett (Ferguson 77), Opinel (Binns 75), King, Robinson, Smith, Ciardini, Wolleaston, Bubb, McDonald, McCollin (Ibe 65). Subs: Price, Stevens. Referee: A Serrano. TWO MORE JOIN IRON SQUAD Forward and left sided player - added to Braintree squad Iron Manager Rod Stringer has added two players to his squad before tomorrow's Blue Square Bet South campaign gets underway. Braintree Town have re-signed former player Dave Bryant from fellow Blue Square Bet South club Thurrock. Dave previous made three appearances for the Club at the start of the 2008/09 season. Last season Dave had another good year for the Ship Lane club scoring fourteen goals as Thurrock chased a play-off place. The Club approached Thurrock last Thursday about Dave's availability and were asked to submit a seven day approach, which was actioned by Club Secretary Tom Woodley. Therefore, contrary to statements made elsewhere, Braintree Town were only in a position to sign Dave after Tom Woodley received confirmation from the Football Conference office that Thurrock had cancelled his registration this (Friday) lunchtime. Despite the apparent delay in completing his registration, Dave will be available for selection for tomorrow's Blue Square Bet South match against Farnborough. Chairman Lee Harding was pleased to see the transfer saga finally completed: "All clubs are, of course, entitled to seek a seven day notice of approach for any of their registered players, but to make announcements that the switch has been completed before that is the case is, at best, misleading. That said, I know that Rod is delighted to have brought Dave back to the Club." Braintree Town have also signed Jack Clark from Charlton Athletic, following his release from npower League One side Charlton Athletic. Jack is a 19-year old young left-sided player who signed his first professional contract for Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2009 after two years as a scholar at The Valley. Jack featured regularly in the U18 and reserve teams last season and was included as an unused substitute for the FA Cup fourth round tie at Sheffield United. Braintree Town Manager Rod Stringer was keen to add him to the Iron squad after Jack impressed in recent pre-season friendlies and the player will also be available for selection for tomorrow's Blue Square Bet South match against Farnborough. BRAINTREE XI DRAW AT REDBRIDGE Twice behind - Iron rally to draw Iron Manager Rod Stringer took a Braintree Town XI to visit Ryman League Division One (North) side Redbridge on Monday evening and shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Under the watchful eye of Farnborough manager Steve King, Braintree fielded a side made up primarily of squad players, reserves and trialists. Redbridge took a 20th minute lead before reserve team player George Burns levelled on 35 minutes. Redbridge regained the lead mid-way through the second half, before Jamie Guy came on for the last fifteen minutes and headed home a second equaliser with three minutes remaining. Next up for Braintree Town is a visit from Steve King's Farnborough side, for our opening Blue Square Bet South fixture, this coming Saturday, 14th August, with kick-off at 3pm. IRON HELD BY RICAY Quinton screamer puts Iron ahead - before Billericay fight back to level Braintree Town welcomed Ryman League Premier Division side Billericay Town to Cressing Road on Saturday for their penultimate pre-season match and shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw. Wearing their new orange and royal blue kit, the half-time interval saw Iron turn around ahead after a 30 yard screamer from Brad Quinton broke the deadlock on 44 minutes. The first half was competitive with Iron having the upper hand. Both Sean Marks and Danny Green had chances saved by the Billericay keeper. That said, Billericay started well and scored from a scramble after just ten minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The second half opened with Matt Paine having his header cleared off the line as Iron started well, but Billericay got on top thereafter. After 70 minutes Billericay equalised when a a cross from the right flank was headed home by trialist Serge Mkoso. Next up for Braintree, manager Rod Stringer will be sending a Braintree XI to play Ryman League Division One North side Redbridge on Monday evening, 9th August, with kick-off at 7.45pm. And, finally, our congratulations to former Iron favourite Alex Revell who scored on his League debut for Leyton Orient today in their npower League One match at Yeovil Town. WINGER ARRIVES ON LOAN Pacey winger joins from Dagenham - with another forward to follow? Braintree Town have signed pacey winger Danny Green on loan from npower League One side Dagenham & Redbridge. Danny, who can also operate in a midfield role, made his debut in Saturday's pre-season friendly with Billericay Town. The 20-year old winger joined the Victoria Road club in May 2010 from Billericay Town on a three-year contract. Danny joined Ryman League Billericay during October 2009 from Bishop's Stortford having previously played for Harlow Town. Rod Stringer was delighted to bring a player of Danny's calibre to the Club: "Danny impressed at Billericay and deserved his chance at Dagenham. I'm pleased he was available to strengthen our squad - he certainly looked sharp today. I've also put a seven day approach in for a forward with a Blue Square Bet club and am confident that he will be part of our squad for the Farnborough game." ARSENAL VISIT BRAINTREE Iron ladies take on - the best in the game Braintree Town Ladies welcome seven-time FA Premier League champions Arsenal to Cressing Road on Sunday as they continue their preparations for their first season in the third tier of female football. The friendly forms part of an afternoon of female football with a memorial match for youngster Jodie Willan who lost her brief fight with Meningitis in April following the main game. The Gunners have named a strong squad for the trip including seven full and eight junior internationals and it will be a massive test for the Iron Ladies. Tickets are available on the turnstiles, priced £5 for adults and £1 for U16's with half of the profits from the day going the Jodie Willan Fund. Kick-off for the Arsenal game is 2pm. IRON COME FROM BEHIND TO WIN Power and Marks fire - Braintree to another friendly win Braintree Town travelled up the M11 and A428 to visit United Counties League Premier Division side St. Neots Town and, following a goal-less first half, came from behind to win by the odd goal in three in Tuesday evening's friendly. During a hard fought first half, Reece Harris had the best chance for Braintree, through one on one with the keeper, but saw his chance well saved. After the break, St Neots took the lead, but Braintree responded positively and applied a lot of pressure. Iron levelled on 68 minutes when a Reece Harris corner, partially cleared by the home defence, was drilled home by Mike Power. Late on Iron secured the win, with Sean Marks converting following a scramble from another corner. Next up for Iron is the visit of our old friends from Ryman League Premier Division side Billericay Town this coming Saturday, 7th August, with kick-off at 3pm. STRINGER RELEASES FIVE Rod closes in on his final squad - but still looking for new faces Braintree Town Manager Rod Stinger has released five players as he continues to select his final squad for the forthcoming Blue Square Bet South season. Leaving the Club are Robbie Martin, James Hawes, Louis Riddle, Martin Tuohy and Ryan Doyle. Rod Stringer thanked the five for their efforts: "All five have worked really hard, but I obviously can't keep all the players that have been with us pre-season. I wanted to make a decision quickly enough to allow these lads enough time to find themselves other clubs. I'm getting closer to what I think my final squad will be, but I am still looking to bring in new faces when and if they are better than what we have. I'll keep you all informed." LATE DAVIS GOAL LEAVES DAGENHAM BEATEN Goal-less at the break - Kenny Davis breaks the deadlock Braintree Town welcomed nPower League One new boys Dagenham & Redbridge to Cressing Road on Saturday and won by the only goal of the game. The first half finished goal-less, with Braintree on top for lengthy periods. Kenny Davis had his header well saved by Dagenham keeper Chris Lewington after just nine minutes and, six minutes later, tried his luck with a shot from a great Sam Lechmere cross, but his effort was scrambled off the line. Reece Harris also looked impressive on the left, with Adam Bailey-Dennis and Matt Paine commanding at the back. Just before the break Harris broke through, but with only Lewington to beat saw his effort smothered by the Dagenham keeper. The second half started with Dagenham under pressure from a long drop kick from Braintree keeper Nathan McDonald. The ball found Brad Quinton on the edge of the 18-yard box and he released Mike Power, but the Braintree forward saw his effort well saved by Lewington. After 55 minutes Lechmere was denied by Lewington when through on goal, but Braintree continued to cause their League opposition problems and finally broke the deadlock with five minutes remaining. A Quinton pass took a deflection from the match referee and fell kindly to Davis who raced forward and stabbed the ball past Lewington from twelve yards. Crowd: 253. NEW KIT ON SALE AGAINST BILLERICAY Get your orange & blue replica kits - with £5 discounts for Supporters Club members The new orange (home) and royal blue (away) kits have been received from our kit manufacturers and replica shirts will be on sale this coming Saturday, 7th August, when Braintree Town entertain Ryman League Premier Division side Billericay Town in their last home pre-season friendly match. Replica shirts will be available from the Supporters Club Shop, priced at £35 for adults and £30 for children, with a £5 reduction for Supporters Club members. Admission to Saturday's match, for what Manager Rod Stringer has said will be a 'full dress rehearsal for Saturday week's first Blue Square Bet South match with Farnborough', will be just £5 for adults and £3 for concessions. IRON HELD AT AVELEY Power hits the bar early on - as Iron XI are frustrated Braintree Town sent a squad side to Ryman League Premier Division side Aveley this evening, Tuesday and returned home sharing the spoils from a goal-less draw. On a hard, parched playing surface, the highlight of the first half came from Mike Power who rattled the crossbar. After the break, Iron struggled to overcome a physical home side and the game petered out to a goal-less draw. Next up for Braintree is a visit from nPower League One side Dagenham & Redbridge, this coming Saturday, 31st July, with kick-off at 3pm. Admission for this match is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. ADDITIONAL FRIENDLY & NEW SIGNING Rod to send a side to Redbridge - as Sam Lechmere signs for the Club Iron Manager Rod Stringer has added a further friendly and added another player to his squad. Braintree Town have agreed to send a side to Ryman League Division One North side Redbridge on Monday, 9th August, with kick-off at 7.45pm. The Club have also signed twenty-year old Sam Lechmere. Sam has impressed in pre-season, having played for both Yeovil Town and Grays Athletic last season. Rod Stringer was pleased with his latest addition: "Sam's done really well for us so far and has worked really hard. He's got tremendous potential and now needs to push on and challenge himself to be in our side week in week out!" IRON HOLD COLCHESTER Defences on top early on - before mass scramble denies Iron Braintree Town welcomed nPower League one side Colchester United to Cressing Road and shared the spoils in an absorbing goal-less draw. The first half was evenly matched with a full strength Colchester side well marshalled by the organised Braintree defence. Braintree stepped up the pressure after the interval and enjoyed their best effort ten minutes from time. A Braintree corner from Robbie Martin was floated over the Colchester six-yard box for Mike Power. Power's headed was greeted by a mass scramble before the Colchester defence cleared the ball off the line. Colchester's best chance came right at the end, on the counter. But Braintree defender Michael Alaile did well to match the breaking Colchester attack and cleared the danger. Attendance: 711. Next up for Iron is a trip to Ryman League Premier Division side Aveley this coming Tuesday, 27th July, with kick-off at 7.45pm. BRAINTREE EASE TO THREE GOAL WIN Power and Hawes score early on - before late third secures victory Iron made the short journey to Ryman League Division One (North) side Heybridge Swifts and came home winners by three goals to nil. Braintree took a fifteenth minute lead when a cross from Sam Lechmere on the right found Mike Power unmarked on the left and Mike promptly drove his effort into the top right hand corner. Braintree doubled their advantage on the half hour. Phil Starkey's effort from the right was only parried by home keeper Jamie Bowyer and James Hawes followed up to score from close range. Iron completed their scoring late in the game when, with Sean Marks closing on the Heybridge defence, a home defender conceded an own goal. Next up for Iron is the visit of Colchester United this coming Saturday, 24th July, with kick-off at 3pm. IRON BEATEN AT LOWESTOFT Braintree do enough to impress - but get caught on the counter A strong Braintree squad side made the journey up the East Coast to visit Ryman League Premier Division side Lowestoft Town and came home beaten by the only goal of the game. Iron looked the better of the two sides before the break, but saw their momentum disrupted by a number of substitutions during the second half. Braintree enjoyed much of the possession but it was Lowestoft who finally broke the deadlock on eighty-two minutes. Breaking on the counter, a long through ball found Jamie Forshaw unmarked and he tucked his shot past the stranded Ollie Morris Sanders. After the game Iron Manager Rod Stringer was upbeat: "We brought seventeen players up today, while the rest trained. I tried a few different things and learned a great deal, as you often do when things don't go right. I was disappointed with the goal because we gave possession away too cheaply and they hit us straight through the middle on the break, but we'll learn from that." Braintree Town team: McDonald (Morris Sanders 66), Doyle, Jones (Holloway 65), Thomas, Bailey-Dennis, Symons (McCluskey 66), Riddle (Tuohy 57), Davis, Guy (Harris 23), Marks and Hazell (Martin 58) Next up for Braintree Town is a trip to Heybridge Swifts for another pre-season match this coming Tuesday evening, 20th July, with kick-off at 7.30pm. PREMIER LEAGUE COMMITS £6m OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE FOOTBALL CONFERENCE New Football Conference club development fund - to be launched The Premier League today announced a solidarity package with The Football Conference worth £6m over the next three seasons. Following the £1m payment made to the Football Conference in 2009/10 the Premier League has decided to provide funding for seasons 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13 that will support all Football Conference clubs. The funding will be split into general payments made to all 68 Conference clubs and a separate club development fund which any Conference club can apply to for specific projects. The funding will be structured in the following way: - £1.2m per season provided as funds to support all Football Conference clubs; - £800,000 per season committed to a new club development fund to which all Conference clubs can apply; Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore, said: "The Premier League and our member clubs recognise the importance of the continued health of football outside the Football League and it is with this in mind that we have made this commitment to the Football Conference. In particular, we are extremely pleased to be working with the Football Conference to establish a new club development fund that will allow Conference clubs, all extremely important within their local communities, to invest more funds into local youth development and good cause initiatives." Football Conference Chairman, Brian Lee, said: "This is a further wonderful gesture of friendship from the Premier League towards The Football Conference. The solidarity commitment for three years is most welcome whilst the new funding will allow our Clubs to express themselves in a tangible form for the benefit of their communities. We accept the challenge with gratitude." BRAINTREE XI WIN AT HALSTEAD Louis Riddle volley - secures the victory A mix and match Braintree Town XI made the short journey to Halstead Town's Rosemary Lane Ground and came home with a single-goal victory. The Iron side included James Hawes at left back, Andy Porter in midfield and Louis Riddle and Justin Hazell up front. They struggled to pass the ball freely on a poor playing surface, but finally broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half. A sweeping move on the right saw the ball clipped into the home penalty area from the goal-line for the waiting Louis Riddle to volley into the roof of the net from twelve yards. Manager Rod Stringer introduced a number of trialists during the second half and was pleased with the effort and work rate of his side. Next up for Iron is a trip to Ryman Premier side Lowestoft Town this coming Saturday, 17th July, with kick-off at 3pm. The address of the Lowestoft ground is: Crown Meadow, Love Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2PA. Telephone: 01502 573818. Link: www.lowestoft-town-fc.co.uk/page/map.asp IRON IMPRESS IN OPENING FRIENDLY Guy & Marks get - Braintree's season underway On a warm humid evening at Cressing Road, Braintree put in a confident performance in an entertaining friendly victory over a full Gillingham first team squad. Braintree took the lead on 16 minutes when new signing Jamie Guy pounced on a poor defensive header to stab the ball home from close range. But Gillingham responded positively and seven minutes before the break Braintree keeper Nathan McDonald had to be at his best to push a dipping 35-yard effort over from Jack Payne. Both sides made wholesale changes at the break and Gillingham levelled on 55 minutes when Luke Rooney's free-kick from 25 yards took a wicked deflection to wrong foot Braintree keeper Ollie Morris Saunders. But Braintree restored their lead three minutes later when Sean Marks pounced on a fine pass from Martin Tuohy on the right. Marks cut inside, brushed aside the attention of two defenders before dinking his shot over Gillingham keeper Alan Julian. Braintree dominated the rest of the game, with Julian denying efforts from both Marks and Tuohy. Attendance: 204 Teams: Braintree 1st Half: Nathan MacDonald, Ryan Doyle, Mark Jones, Matt Paine, Brad Thomas, Nicky Symons, Sam Lechmere, Brad Quinton, Mike Power, Jamie Guy, James Hawes. Braintree 2nd Half: Ollie Sanders, Phil Starkey, Michael Alalie, Adam Bailey-Dennis, Sam Holloway, Robbie Martin, Kenny Davis, Reece Harris, Tom Bruno, Sean Marks, Martin Touhy. Gillingham 1st Half: Alan Julian, Barry Fuller, Josh Gowling, Tony Sinclair, Danny Jackman, Curtis Weston, Jack Payne, Andy Barcham, Danny Spiller, Dennis Oli, Serge Makofo. Gillingham 2nd Half: Alan Julian, Romauld Bocu, Mark Bentley, Connor Essam, John Nutter, Lewis Young, Luke Rooney, Kevin Maher, Chris Palmer, Sam Gargan, Fola Onibuje. Scorers: Braintree Town: Jamie Guy 16, Sean Marks 58. Gillingham: Luke Rooney 55. Referee: M Bull. JAMIE GUY JOINS IRON Former Colchester United striker - added to Braintree squad Following the departure of George Purcell to York City yesterday, manager Rod Stringer wasted little time in strengthening his Iron squad. Joining the Club is 22-year old striker Jamie Guy from former Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic. Guy, who is six feet one, began his career as a trainee at Colchester United in 2005 and played 70 games for the Weston Homes Community Stadium club, before switching to Grays earlier this year. While at Colchester United, Guy also played on loan at Cambridge United, Oxford United, Dagenham & Redbridge and Port Vale, making a further 49 appearances. Iron Manager Rod Stringer was delighted with his latest addition: "With George's sale to York City, it provided an ideal opportunity to bring in a quality replacement that has had a lot of Football League experience over the past five years, but is still only 22. Jamie is keen to do well, get his career going again and knows that we are the ideal club to help him achieve that." PURCELL SIGNS FOR YORK CITY Undisclosed fee and sell on - sees Iron striker move up Blue Square Bet Premier side York City have completed the transfer of Braintree Town striker George Purcell for an undisclosed fee, together with a sell-on clause. The 22-year old striker joined Braintree Town last season and scored a remarkable 22 goals in just 44 games for the Essex club, playing an important role in Braintree's push for the play-offs, which they missed by just a point. Braintree Town Chairman commented: "We're both pleased and sad at the same time. George did really well for us last season so we're obviously reluctant to see him move on. That said, I'm the first to admit that he does have tremendous ability and deserves his chance to go full time. Like Alex Revell who left us to return to the pro. game with Brighton in 2006, we're delighted to see yet another player progress from Braintree." George passed on his thanks: "I really enjoyed my year at Cressing Road and I wanted to thank everyone at Braintree for their help and support over the last twelve months." The past two months have seen a lot of interest in George, but Harding had nothing but praise for the way that York City had conducted themselves: "In an era when many players are often approached illegally, it was good to deal with a club that have acted properly throughout. I've had a number of conversations with my counterpart at York and his conduct has been very professional. We'll be watching both George's and York's progress next season with interest." York City Chairman, Jason McGill, reiterated the comments of Braintree Chairman, Lee Harding, stating: "the negotiations for George Purcell's transfer were conducted professionally and amicably. It is obvious that Braintree Town FC is an ambitious football club that wants to be successful, and we wish them well in their push for promotion this coming season. York City FC is delighted to have signed George Purcell; he is a strong, pacy forward with a tremendous left foot who can score goals. George will relocate to York and hopefully assist in York City Football Club's attempt to gain promotion to the Football League." IRON START AT HOME Farnborough visit on opening day - and we finish at Weston-super-Mare Fixtures for The Iron's 2010/2011 Blue Square Bet South campaign have been released and are available by clicking the Games link above. Braintree Town start their season with a visit from last season's Southern League Champions Farnborough on the opening Saturday of the season - 14th August. This is then followed by successive away trips to Maidenhead United on Tuesday 17th August and St. Albans City on Saturday 21st September. The opening day's fixtures are as follows: Basingstoke Town v Chelmsford City BRAINTREE TOWN v Farnborough Bromley v Dorchester Town Dartford v Havant & Waterlooville Eastleigh v Bishop's Stortford Ebbsfleet United v Maidenhead United Staines Town v Lewes Thurrock v St. Albans City Welling United v Hampton & Richmond Weston-super-Mare v Boreham Wood Woking v Dover Athletic Other dates of interest are the usual home and away fixtures with our near-neighbours Bishop's Stortford at Christmas. The game at Cressing Road will take place on Boxing Day, with the reverse at Woodside on New Year's Day. The August Bank Holiday Monday fixture will see Iron travel to visit former Blue Square Premier side Ebbsfleet United on the 30th, while Braintree complete their fixtures at our friends in Somerset - Weston-super-Mare - next April. In the FA Cup, Braintree Town are exempt until the Second Qualifying Round and start their interest on Saturday 25th September. In the FA Trophy, Braintree Town are exempt until the Third Qualifying Round and start their interest on Saturday 20th November. Iron Manager Rod Stringer was fairly relaxed about the fixtures: "We've got to play them all home and away, but it's always nice to start with a home game. I'm looking forward to it and I'll also be looking to improve upon the Club's recent record in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy!" PAINE JOINS BRAINTREE Former Colchester centre-half - joins from Thurrock Braintree Town manager Rod Stringer has signed midfield player Matt Paine from fellow Blue Square Bet South side Thurrock. Matt started his career at Colchester United before moving on to Thurrock in 2007 and has since played over 100 games for the Ship Lane club. Initially playing in a central defensive role, Matt pushed forward to midfield last season and was instrumental in a better campaign for South Essex club, scoring twice. Rod was pleased with his latest signing: "Matt is a player that has a great presence and works very hard. Comfortable at both centre-half and in midfield, he did really well for Thurrock last season and I'm delighted that he has chosen to join us."  REVISED KIT AGREED New orange and blue kit - for next season ordered Braintree Town have agreed to a re-design of their new kit for the coming season. Kit manufacturers Vandanel have recently completed a re-organisation of their business and kit range and have now offered the new look kit as a replacement for the kit previously offered. The new kit, together with replicas, will be short-sleeved and, it is hoped, will be available before the new season gets underway in August. The revised kit will be orange shirts with one white sleeve, royal blue shorts and orange socks. The away kit will be royal blue shirts with one white sleeve, white shorts and royal blue socks. Chairman Lee Harding was happy with the new arrangements: "We've enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Vandanel who have always looked after us. We were saddened to hear of their recent problems but are pleased to hear that they will be going strong after their recent reorganisation. I am pleased to be able to continue to work with them in the future. The new designs fit in with our orange and royal blue theme for next season and I look forward to seeing them in due course." GERMANS NEXT IN THE CLUBHOUSE See England v Germany - on the big screens in the clubhouse Terry & Christine Thorogood invite you all to watch the crucial England game against Germany in the Cressing Road clubhouse this coming Sunday afternoon on the two large 50 inch screens. The clubhouse will be open from 12 noon, with selected beers at £2 and food available. PRE-SEASON STARTS ON SATURDAY Session at Harold Wood - followed by three sessions a week at Cressing Road Braintree Town's players will be digging out their training kit this week as pre-season training starts in earnest this coming Saturday, 26th June - with a session at Harold Wood Recreation Park, Harold View, Harold Wood RM3 0LX from 10.30am. Thereafter, sessions will be at the Club from Tuesday, 29th June. ONE IN, ONE OUT Another striker joins the Club - while Joe Bruce quits Braintree Town manager Rod Stringer has further strengthened his squad with the signing of striker Justin Hazell from Coca Cola League One side Southend United. 18-year old Justin made his Southend debut against Telford in the FA Cup in 2008, but declined the offer of a further year's contract at Roots Hall and signed Conference forms for Braintree on Thursday evening. Leaving the squad is centre half Joe Bruce who, despite giving his word that he was staying at the Club, has signed for another club. Rod Stringer was pleased with his latest signing: "Justin has done well at Southend and I know that they were keen for him to stay for another year. He has decided he wants to work outside of football, but still play at a good level and I'm delighted to be able to bring him to the Club. As to Joe's departure - despite giving me his word - he has decided to leave the Club and that does, of course, provide an opportunity for others." SEASON TICKET DEADLINE TODAY Big discounts to be had - if you get your ticket by tonight! Supporters are reminded that the deadline for best discounts on season tickets for next season is today! Season tickets bought by 11pm tonight will see a 24% discount over the season, or five games free of charge! For your season ticket application form click on this link: Season Ticket Application Form or pick up and application form from the Clubhouse this evening! ROBBIE MARTIN SIGNS Right winger signs up - for 2010/2011 Iron Manager Rod Stringer has added lively right winger Robbie Martin to his squad. Robbie played over 130 matches for the Club and was part of the 2006 championship-winning squad, prior to his move to Havant & Waterlooville in 2007. He returned to the Club last February, but many felt he wasn't given a fair opportunity to show his ability. Rod and Robbie met up at the weekend to complete the paperwork and was pleased with his latest addition: "I've heard nothing but good things about Robbie. With a thorough pre-season under his belt, I'm sure his pace and class will be a great asset for the squad." NINE MORE SIGN FOR 2010/11 Eight from last season - with more to follow Iron Manager Rod Stringer has had a busy few days, signing a further nine players. The Club have signed goalkeeper Ollie Morris Sanders from Aveley and have also re-signed Mark Jones, Bradley Quinton, Sean Marks, Reece Harris, Tom Bruno, Nathan McDonald, Mike Power and Phil Starkey. Nick Morgan had signed for the Club, but subsequently decided that his future lies elsewhere. The Club have also reached agreements with both Robbie Martin and Joe Bruce to re-sign for the Club. Additionally, former players James Hawes and Louis Riddle have been invited to pre-season with a view to signing for next season. Speaking to the Club website last night Manager Rod Stringer was pleased with the progress he's made over the past three weeks: "Yes I've brought in some new faces, but there are some good players at the Club and I'm pleased that many of them have decided to stay with us. Things are coming together nicely and I'm still getting a lot of calls from players wanting to come to our Club." PRE-SEASON PRICES ANNOUNCED Three Football League clubs - are coming to Cressing Road! Braintree Town have now agreed their prices for their forthcoming pre-season matches. It is expected that both Colchester United and Dagenham & Redbridge will be sending their full first team squads to Cressing Road for the games on Saturday, 24th July and Saturday, 31st July respectively and admission for these matches will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Admission for the game against Gillingham on Friday evening, 9th July will be £8 for adults and £4 for concessions, while admission for the game against Billericay Town on Saturday, 7th August will be just £5 for adults and £3 for concessions. IRON WORLD CUP OFFER Two fifty inch screens to watch the action - all washed down by beers on promotion! The Iron clubhouse will be celebrating the forthcoming World Cup with reduced prices for both ales and lagers. With two fifty inch screens displaying the latest action from South Africa, a variety of beers will be on promotion at just £2, for an hour prior to, during, and an our after each World Cup match! FRIENDLY FIXTURE SWITCH Match with Bury Town postponed - as Iron welcome Coca-Cola League One club Braintree Town have postponed their pre-season friendly match with Bury Town, scheduled for Saturday, 31st July. Iron will now be hosting Coca-Cola League One side Dagenham & Redbridge that day, with the Victoria Road club promising to bring their full first team squad to Cressing Road. KENNY DAVIS JOINS BRAINTREE 22 year old switches from - Blue Square Premier club Braintree Town have signed 22-year old midfielder Kenny Davis from Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic. Kenny started his career as part of the Chelsea Youth team and then had spells at both Redbridge and Harlow Town. Kenny then switched to Bridge Road last season, played 35 games in the Blue Square Premier and finished the campaign as the Grays Athletic 'Player of the Season'. NINTH FRIENDLY AGREED Trip to Halstead - in mid July Braintree Town will travel to visit Ridgeons League Division One side Halstead Town for a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, 13th July, with kick-off at 7.45pm. |