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Second half penalty secures victory Iron commenced their defence of the Essex Senior Cup with a comfortable single-goal victory at Essex Senior Leaguers Stanway Rovers on Tuesday evening. The goal came midway through the second half when Michael Brothers was fouled in the home penalty area and Reggie Lambe drilled the resultant spot kick under the home keeper. The Fourth Round draw will take place later this month. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday afternoon, 2nd December, and a Vanarama South match at home to Weymouth, with kick-off at 3pm. Lacklustre display at Slough Braintree Town slipped to a disappointing three goal defeat at Slough on Saturday. Iron suffered a poor start going a goal down in the first four minutes when Chambers gave the Berkshire club an early lead. The goal stifled Braintree's efforts with only a Reggie Lambe shot from the edge of the box worthy of note during a quiet first half. After the break, Gio Critchlow tried his luck midway through the second half but his shot was blocked. Pushing players forward Iron were caught with 11 minutes remaining when a backpass fell agonisingly short and Nathan Minhas raced forward and tucked the ball past Sims for 2-0. Critchlow and Aaron Blair combined well with six minutes remaining but Blair saw his shot dip just over. It proved to be academic for Braintree in time added on as Harry Barbrook was adjudged to have handed in the penalty area and Mickel Platt's spot kick just beat Sims for 3-0. Next up for Braintree is this coming Tuesday evening, 28th November, and a Essex Cup fixture at Stanway Rovers, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Aaron Blair brace secures victory at Dartford Two goals from Aaron Blair secured another three points for Iron against 10-man Dartford on Tuesday evening. The Kent club were reduced to ten men just before the interval when Paul Rooney was dismissed for a poor challenge on Joe Grimwood. After the break Iron were ahead on 49 minutes when Matt Ward's cross from the right to the far left upright was swept home by Blair. The Iron striker added a second midway through the second half. Jack Sims throw out found Gio Critchlow on halfway. He turned Dartford's Altintop inside out before releasing Blair breaking forward on the left. Blair raced into the home 18-yard box before steering his effort into the far corner for 2-0. The three points lifted Braintree to sixth in the Vanarama South table. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday afternoon, 25th November, and a Vanarama South fixture at Slough Town, with kick-off at 3pm. Braintree over-run in lacklustre second half Three second half goals ended Braintree's brief interest in this season's FA Trophy as they went out beaten 3-0 in Saturday's Second Round tie at Gloucester City on Saturday. Iron looked lively from the off with both Aaron Blair and Ben Watts trying their luck without hitting the target. An even first half was followed with a second half controlled by the home side. Gloucester took 53rd minute lead when Joe Parker steered the ball home from a corner before Ben Beresford added a second on 79 minutes after his initial effort was denied by Jack Sims. Beresford's second seven minutes later sealed Braintree's fate with a header. As a result of this defeat Iron have no fixture on Saturday 9th December, with the Braintree lads instead having a double training session to look forward to on the day! Next up for Braintree is this coming Tuesday evening, 21st November, and a Vanarama South fixture at Dartford, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Positive response to last Saturday as Welling are beaten Iron registered their third successive four-goal home salvo with Tuesday evening's victory over visitors Welling United. Braintree were ahead through Shaq. Coulthirst after seven minutes - a Matt Ward cross from the right was picked up by Gio Critchlow who saw his attempted shot fall to Coulthirst and he steered the ball past Welling keeper Javarn Pitterson from close range. Aaron Blair made it 2-0 nine minutes later - breaking forward on the left he raced into the Welling 18-yard box before cooly sliding his shot inside the far right upright. Matt Ward added a third on 23 minutes. A neat one-two between Ward and Blair saw Ward regain possession in the Welling box and drill his shot under Pitterson for 3-0. Welling pulled a goal back four minutes after the re-start through Dominic Odusanya before Ward added his second eight minutes from time. A quick free-kick 40 yards from goal was fed to Ward who broke forward, skipped past a challenge before firing his drive from 25 yards in the top right corner. The win lifts Braintree to within a point of the play-off positions in eighth place. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday afternoon, 18th November, which sees a switch to Isuzu FA Trophy action and a Second Round tie at Gloucester City, with kick-off at 3pm. Costly mistakes leave Braintree with a mountain to climb Braintree Town returned from their trip to the Sussex coast beaten 3-1 by Eastbourne Borough. Iron made the worst possible start when a second minute ball from the right flank from Decarrey Sheriff was nodded into the far corner by Billy Vigar. A quick counter-attack saw Iron level after 20 minutes when Shaq. Coulthirst released Tom Blackwell on the edge of the home penalty area and he steered the ball into an unguarded net. But Eastbourne regained their advantage as the interval approached when they responded quickly to a mistake in the Braintree defence and Fletcher Holman converted the easiest of chances. After the break the situation deteriorated further for Braintree with ten minutes remaining as the Iron defence were easily dispossessed and Leone Gravata added the third. Next up for Braintree is this coming Tuesday evening, 14th November, and another Vanarama South fixture at home to Welling United, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Four goals in 26 minutes sees Braintree dominate Iron moved to within a point of the end of season play-off places with a commanding four-goal victory over visitors St Albans City at the Rare Breed Meats Co. Stadium on Tuesday evening. Braintree took the lead on 18 minutes. A free-kick on the left was steered down the flank before being floated into the near post - where a diving header from Joe Grimwood guided the ball past St Albans keeper Sam Bentley inside the far upright. Three minutes later and it was 2-0. A weak clearance from Bentley fell to a St Albans player in midfield but he was quickly dispossessed and the free ball was lifted by Will Davies towards Shaq. Coulthirst on the edge of the visitors 18-yard box from where he guided the ball over the sprawling Bentley into an empty net. The third came on 41 minutes. A break on the left was fed inside for Coulthirst who released Davies on the edge of the visitors penalty area from where he rolled the ball passed Bentley and in off the right upright. A minute before the break and it was 4-0. Coulthirst again, breaking forward with pace - he beat the St Albans defence with his mobility before tucking his second of the evening over the stranded Bentley and into the right corner. Iron continued to press after the break. Tom Blackwell hit the post a minute after the re-start and Coulthirst saw his attempted hat-trick effort cleared off the goal-line for a corner on the hour. The Iron forward line pressed but the St Albans occasionally frantic defence survived further as the game finished 4-0. The three points lifting Braintree to ninth in the table. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday afternoon, 11th November, and another Vanarama South fixture away at Eastbourne Borough, with kick-off at 3pm. Iron to visit Essex Senior League side on 28 November Braintree Town have been drawn away to Essex Senior League side Stanway Rovers in the Third Round of this season's Essex Senior Cup, with the match now confirmed for Tuesday, 28th November, kick-off 7.45pm. The Hawthorns club are currently in 19th place of 20 in the Essex Senior League with three wins and two draws from their 15 league games to date. Clinical goalscoring puts Braintree three points off play-off places Braintree Town welcomed Havant & Waterlooville to the Rare Breed Meats Co. Stadium on Saturday and won comfortably by four goals to one. Iron were ahead after 22 minutes through Will Davies. He drove the ball off the left upright after the visitors keeper had blocked a Ben Mason shot and Mason followed up to steer the ball across the Havant penalty area for the unmarked Davies. After the break, Shaq. Coulthirst made it 2-0 on the hour. Reyes goal-kick was nodded on by Davies for the breaking Coulthirst who lifted the ball over the stranded Havant keeper from the edge of the box. Aaron Blair made it 3-0 on 76 minutes. New signing Matt Ward came on as a 74th minute substitute and his first involvement was to break on the right and send an inch-perfect cross for the unmarked Blair to head home into an empty goal. Four minutes later Reggie Lambe made it 4-0. Picking up possession just inside the Havant half, he broke straight through the heart of the visitors defence - skipping past four attempted challenges - before rounding the keeper and steering the ball into an empty net from a tight angle. Billie Busari scored a late consolation for the visitors. Next up for Braintree is this coming Tuesday evening, 7th November, and a Vanarama South fixture at home to St. Albans City, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Iron to visit Vanarama North side on 18 November Braintree Town have been drawn away to Vanarama North side Gloucester City in the Second Round Proper of this season's Isuzu FA Trophy, with the match scheduled for Saturday, 18th November, kick-off 3pm. The Sudmeadow Road club are currently in 22nd place in the North Division with two wins and five draws from their 15 league games to date. Goals in each half see Iron lose 2-0 Braintree Town returned home from Saturday's long journey down to Somerset, beaten by two goals to nil at leaders Yeovil Town. Iron were behind on the half hour after Vicente Reyes weak punched clearance fell to Yeovil's Worthington who lifted the ball into the net from 25 yards. In time added on at the end of the first half Iron were almost level after Leon Davies header drew a fine reflex save from Yeovil keeper Day. After the break the conditions deteriorated in the heavy rain, but Iron more than matched the home side as they continued their search for an equaliser. However, pushing players forward Iron were caught in the 90th minute when Hyde broke forward and rounded Reyes to add a flattering second for the home side. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday afternoon, 4th November, and a Vanarama South fixture at home to Havant & Waterlooville, with kick-off at 3pm. Davies brace sees Iron jump four places to thirteenth Braintree Town returned home from Tuesday evening's visit to Hemel Hempstead Town with the three points after a dominant two-goal victory. Iron took the lead after 25 minutes when Reggie Lambe set up Will Davies who drilled the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the 18-yard box. Ahead at the break, Braintree kept on coming and Davies added our second twelve minutes from time. Again Lambe proved to be the provider as his cross into the box from the right was tucked home to secure the victory. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday afternoon, 27th October, and a Vanarama South fixture at Yeovil Town, with kick-off at 3pm. Blair volley and penalty secure the points Braintree Town secured their third league win of the season, defeating visitors Weston-super-Mare by two goals to nil on Saturday. The opening goal came on 57 minutes when a through ball from halfway was headed on by Gio Critchlow for the predatory Aaron Blair who then riffled his shot inside the far left upright. With 20 minutes remaining it was 2-0, this time from the penalty spot. Weston's Rex Mannings threw John White to the ground in front of the referee to concede the spot kick which Will Davies drove into the bottom corner to secure the three points. Next up for Braintree is this coming Tuesday evening, 24th October, as we have a Vanarama South fixture at Hemel Hempstead, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Heavy rain forecast to move away late afternoon We switch our attentions back to the Vanarama South and the visit of Weston-super-Mare, this coming Saturday, 21st October, with kick-off at 3pm. As at 11am on Friday we have heavy rain, but this is forecast to move away late afternoon and we are forecast a dry night and Saturday morning, followed by light showers during the day tomorrow (Saturday). Secretary James Crysell will be in touch with both the match referee and our opponents today and in the morning. We will do all we can to ensure the pitch is playable for tomorrow's game. Keep updated via the Club website and social media. Late leveller and missed spot kick costs Iron Braintree Town's FA Cup run is over after a 3-1 Fourth Qualifying Round replay defeat at Chesham United. Iron enjoyed the majority of first half possession and were eventually rewarded with a deflected Aaron Blair goal a minute before the break. His cross into the home six-yard took a deflection and dropped beyond the grasp of home keeper Zaki Oualah. Ahead at the interval Iron continued to take the game to the Southern League side. Chasing the game Chesham pushed forward in numbers and were eventually rewarded with an equaliser in the third minute of the four added on. This gave the impetus to Chesham who then looked brighter in extra time. They took the lead in the fourth minute of the extra 30 through Sinclair, but Iron were thrown a lifeline with a penalty three minutes later. With a chance to get themselves back in the game, Oualah guessed the right way for Blair's spot kick and the sides changed ends with Iron still trailing 2-1 with fifteen minutes to play. Braintree pushed players forward in search of the equaliser including keeper Reyes late on and were caught at the death. With all eleven Braintree players in the opponents half, Chesham broke and Zak Joseph added the home side's third into an unguarded net. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday, 21st October, as we switch our attentions back to the Vanarama South and the visit of Weston-super-Mare, with kick-off at 3pm. Iron to visit Beveree in early December Braintree Town's trip to Hampton & Richmond Borough in the Vanarama South, postponed due to last Saturday's FA Cup fixture, has been re-arranged. Iron will now visit the Middlesex club on Tuesday, 5th December with kick-off at 7.45pm. Braintree denied by organised Chesham defence Braintree Town and Chesham United will have to do it all again in Tuesday evening's replay after Saturday's Emirates Fourth Qualifying Round tie ended goal-less. Iron started brightly with Ben Watt having a couple of early shots that failed to hit the target. After 18 minutes Alfie Payne set up Tom Blackwell on the left but his shot just missed the far upright. Moments later Blackwell was released by Aaron Blair and this time his effort required a fine save by Chesham keeper Zaki Oualah. On 25 minutes Toby Stevenson lifted his cross/shot into the box from all of 35 yards and just fails to hit the target. Debutant Braintree keeper Vicente Reyes made his first save just before the interval to hold a volley from Chesham's Eoin Casey. Goal-less at the break, George Quantrell hit the upright with a shot from the edge of the 18-yard area after 46 minutes. Midway through the second half Watt tried his luck from all of 30 yards, but his effort rattled the crossbar. After 70 minutes Tom Blackwell saw his free-kick tipped over and on 79 minutes substitute Dan Sparkes saw a concerted penalty shout waved away after his shot was blocked by a defenders hand. in the last minute of the five additional, the Buckinghamshire club could have sneaked an unlikely winner, but their neat corner kick was blocked by the Iron defence. The replay will take place this coming Tuesday evening, 17th October, at Chesham's Amy Lane ground - postcode HP5 1NE. The winners will be at home to Vanarama South side Maidstone United in the First Round. Super fit Iron score late again Iron held high-flying Bath City to a 1-1 draw at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium on Saturday. Iron made a positive start and a cross from Aaron Blair after just four minutes almost caught Bath keeper Ollie Wright off guard, but it dipped just over. Will Davies saw his 8th minute effort saved by Wright, while Blair's 9th minute effort was blocked by the Bath defence. the visitors could have taken the initiative on the half hour when Hayfield's header tested Braintree keeper Josh Blackwell, but the Iron custodian steered the ball around the upright. Leon Davies tried his luck from the edge of the visitors' 18-yard box, but his effort missed the target. Goal-less at the break, Blair saw his 48th minute effort blocked, before the deadlock was finally broken just after the hour through Scott Wilson after a fine attacking move from the visitors. Ben Watt's throw-ins caused problems for the Bath defence and Reggie Lambe could have levelled on 64 minutes, but he fired over. Iron looked certain to level on 83 minutes when Gio Critchlow released Davies, but a late tackle denied a likely equaliser. Going into time added on Braintree finally levelled in the fourth minute of the five added on. A cross from the right was only cleared as far as the alert Blair, who turned on a sixpence, drilled his effort into the top-corner to earn his side a deserved point. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday, 14th October, as we switch our attentions back to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round and the visit of Chesham United to the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium, with kick-off at 3pm. Braintree entertain Chesham in the Fourth and Final Qualifying Round Braintree Town have been drawn at home to Chesham United, of the Southern League Premier Division South, in the Fourth and Final Qualifying Round of this season's Emirates FA Cup competition, with the match scheduled for a week on Saturday, 14th October - kick-off 3pm. The Buckinghamshire club are well placed in second position in the Southern Premier South table, with seven wins and a draw from their nine league games to date. In last Saturday's Third qualifying Round they defeated Isthmian League Premier Division visitors Margate 2-0. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday, 7th October, as we switch our attentions back to the Vanarama South and the visit of high flying Bath City, with kick-off at 3pm. Braintree through having trailed 2-0 with 18 to play Braintree Town continued their progress in this season's Emirates FA Cup with another late goal proving pivotal to the outcome. Iron welcomed Vanarama North side Brackley Town to the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium and shared the first 45 minutes with their Northamptonshire opponents. Aaron Blair saw his tenth minute effort blocked for a corner and he could have opened the scoring on 33 minutes when Tom Blackwell set him up, but saw his effort deflected just wide. Goal-less at the interval, Brackley opened the scoring on 56 minutes through Dan Turner and doubled their advantage six minutes later through Alex Gudger. But Blackwell threw his side a lifeline with 18 minutes remaining, netting from close range, and proved provider six minutes later when his fine cross was headed home by Will Davies. With 90 minutes played and most in the crowd contemplating the replay, a speculative ball into the visitors box from the right was only half cleared to the unmarked Blair who volleyed the ball straight back into the top right hand corner. Iron saw out the remaining ten minutes of time added on to reach the fourth and final qualifying round for the first time in five years. As a result of our FA Cup victory, our Vanarama South fixture away at Hampton & Richmond, scheduled for a week on Saturday, 14th October has been postponed. News of a new date for our trip to Hampton when we have it. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday, 7th October, as we switch our attentions back to the Vanarama South and the visit of high flying Bath City, with kick-off at 3pm. Sending off pivotal in outcome Iron made the journey to County neighbours Aveley and came home with a point from a 1-1 draw. A stunning strike from Matt Carson put us ahead after just four minutes and Braintree enjoyed arguably the best of the first 45 minutes. Tom Blackwell tried his luck from the edge of the box after 15 minutes and a length delay following a head injury to Joe Grimwood saw the first period extended to 53 minutes. After the re-start Iron's chances were dealt a blow when Grimwood, who had already been booked before the break, was cautioned for a second time for not waiting for the match referee to signal for him to rejoin the game after he had required additional treatment. The subsequent reorganisation saw the impetus switch to the home side and they levelled through Rush on 71 minutes. But Iron worked hard for the remainder to secure a point. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday, 30th September, as we switch our attentions back to the Emirates FA Cup and a Third Qualifying Round tie at home to Vanarama North side Brackley Town, with kick-off at 3pm. Kyran Clements header saves Braintree's FA Cup dreams Braintree Town left it oh so late to level the scores in their Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay match at the Rare Breed Meats Co. Stadium before progressing with an Aaron Blair brace in extra time. Like the first game at Canvey Island, Iron fell behind just before the break when Evans Kouassi swept the ball into the bottom corner past the unsighted Jack Sims from the edge of the box. The home side took the game to the Isthmian Leaguers during the second half but struggled to break down the Canvey defence. With the clock winding down, it looked like Iron were about to be on the wrong end of a 'giant-killing' in the FA Cup, until a free kick on the right in the eighth minute of time added on was lofted into the visitors penalty area and Kyran Clements glanced his header off the inside of the left upright to level the scores. Braintree looked the fitter of the two sides during the extra half hour and two goals from Blair saw Iron secure what had looked to be a very unlikely passage into the next round, where they will entertain Brackley Town a week on Saturday, 30th September, with kick-off at 3pm. Next up for Braintree is this coming Saturday, 23rd September, and a trip to Aveley for another Vanarama South match, with kick-off at 3pm. Iron come from behind to earn replay Braintree Town travelled to Canvey Island for their Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie on Saturday and had to work hard to earn themselves a replay. With Will Davies set to leave the Club in search of full time football, Kyran Clements moved into the heart of the Iron attack. An even half seemed set to finish goal-less until the Islanders took the lead just before the interval - Hall heading home from a free-kick. After the break, Iron had to up their game and took the match to the home side. Five minutes after the pre-start, Tom Blackwell tried his luck but his shot zipped over the bar. Moments later Ben Mason tried his luck but his effort was blocked by the home defence. Dan Sparkes returned to the Club last week and came off the bench on 54 minutes. The re-organisation in the Iron side paid almost immediate dividends as George Quantrell steered his effort into the corner to level up the scores just before the hour. Sparkes did well on 63 minutes to set up Aaron Blair who saw his effort cleared by the home keeper. Iron pushed forward for the winner, Alfie Payne saw his 75th minute effort dip just over, while Blackwell saw his late effort just miss the target. But the final score of 1-1 was a fair reflection with Iron improving after the break. The replay will be at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium this coming Tuesday, 19th September, with kick-off at 7.45pm. All square at the Rare Breeds Meat Co. Stadium on Saturday Braintree Town welcomed visitors Farnborough to the Rare Breeds Meat Co. Stadium on Saturday and secured a point from an absorbing 1-1 draw. Iron had the worst possible start - conceding a penalty in the opening minute when Ben Mason's mis-timed challenge saw the Hampshire side secure a penalty which Alfie Pavey converted with a header after his initial effort was saved by Jack Sims. But Ben made amends almost immediately. Pressure in the visitors 18-yard box saw the ball fall kindly to Ben who drilled the ball home to level things up after just six minutes. Mid-way through the first half Iron had a strong shout for a penalty as George Quantrell was barged over in the visitors 18-yard box, but appeals were waived away by the match referee. Farnborough were fortunate to retain eleven players on the pitch just after the half hour. The lively Tom Blackwell broke on the right. Cutting inside he was cut down by a two-footed challenge from Adam Mekki, but the culprit was fortunate to escape with a caution. Five minutes before the break Farnborough could've retaken the lead when Ollie Robinson's long throw was met by Olly Pendlebury, but his header grazed the outside of the upright. 1-1 at the break, Pavey could've added a second four minutes in but saw his header sail over the crossbar. On 53 minutes Ben Mason's stinging drive from all over 25 yards just zipped over the bar and two minutes later Sims had to be at his best to deny Pavey from close range. On 57 minutes Blackwell released Quantrell but his shot was well saved by Farnborough keeper Jack Turner. A Toby Stevenson header on 78 minutes just missed the target and then, with three minutes remaining, a scramble in the visitors 18-yard box was frantically cleared by the visitors as Iron pressed for the winner, but neither side were able to break the deadlock as the game finished 1-1. Next up for Braintree this coming Saturday, 16th September, is a rest from Vanarama South action as Iron visit Canvey Island in the Second Qualifying Round of this season's Emirates FA Cup match, with kick-off at 3pm. Third successive trip to Tonbridge ends goal-less! Braintree Town visited Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday evening and, like their two previous visits, returned home with a point from a goal-less draw. Iron started brightly with both Ben Tomkins and Will Davies having half chances. Aaron Blair saw his 20th minute effort dip just over from the edge of the 18-yard area. The home side also had their chances and only a last-ditch tackle from Tomkins denied Greenidge. Matt Carson tried his luck on 26 minutes and Tom Blackwell saw his long distance 34th minute effort deflected for a corner. Just after the re-start Davies tried his luck from all of 25 yards but his effort just skipped wide of the upright. Blair was through on the home goal after 57 minutes but Tonbridge keeper Henly saved. Jack Sims did well to block Akanbi effort with ten minutes remaining and the home side rattled Sims post three minutes later. Arnold Matshazi's 86th minute effort deflected kindly into the grasp of Henly but, despite the five minutes of additional time, the game fizzled out into the now traditional goal-less draw. Next up for Braintree this coming Saturday, 9th September, and the visit of Farnborough to Braintree for another Vanarama South match, with kick-off at 3pm. Iron travel to Canvey Island in the FA Cup Braintree Town have been drawn away to Isthmian League Premier Division side Canvey Island in the Second Qualifying Round of this season's Emirates FA Cup Competition. This match will be played on Saturday, 16th September, with kick-off at 3pm. Canvey Island are currently 14th of 22 in the Isthmian League Premier Division, with two wins and three defeats from their five league matches to date. They recorded their second win last Bank Holiday Monday with a 3-1 victory at Island neighbours Concord Rangers. They defeated Haringey Borough 3-2 on the open day of the season but then lost three successive league games at Dulwich (1-4), Kingstonian (1-2) and at home to Bognor Regis Town (1-3). They progressed to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup last Saturday with an emphatic 5-1 home victory over visitors Lowestoft Town in the First Qualifying Round. Iron impress in four-goal win Braintree Town welcomed leaders Worthing to the Rare Breeds Meat Co. Stadium on Saturday and knocked the Sussex club off the top of the table thanks to an emphatic 4-0 victory. After 18 minutes a free kick on the left was lifted into the Worthing penalty area was nodded down by Will Davies at the far post. It was palmed away by the visitors keeper Roco Rees but the rebound was headed into an empty net by Joe Grimwood. After 37 minutes Iron doubled their advantage. Aaron Blair raced on to a long clearance from Ben Tomkins on the right. Out-pacing the Worthing defence, he saw his first effort blocked by Rees but slid the rebound into an empty net. In first half added time, Braintree added their third. Surging into the box on the left, Tom Blackwell was crudely up-ended to secure a penalty. Tom got up and cooly tucked the resultant spot kick into the corner. After 73 minutes it was 4-0. This time Blair turned provider. Breaking on the right he raced to the Worthing 18-yard box and his shot/cross was steered home by Will Davies. Next up for Braintree is a trip to Kent to visit Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday evening, 5th September with kick-off at 7.45pm. This is followed next Saturday, 9th September, by the visit of Farnborough to Braintree for another Vanarama South match, with kick-off at 3pm.  NEW STADIUM SPONSOR Braintree Town FC & The Rare Breed Meat Company The Club are pleased to announce a partnership has been agreed with The Rare Breed Meat Company to sponsor Braintree Town FC's Cressing Road Stadium. This will now be known as the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium. Chairman of the football club, Lee Harding said "The club aims to provide football at the highest sustainable level for local fans. Generous support such as this from The Rare Breed Meat Company will help the club to compete at its current level in the National League South." The Rare Breed Meat Company specialises in rearing and supplying high quality meat and poultry. Further information about them can be found at https://www.therarebreedmeatcompany.co.uk/. Owner Howard Blackwell said "We welcome this opportunity to promote our company name while supporting our local football club. Good luck for the season ahead!" The club is always pleased to discuss how local companies can partner with us to sustain National League football in the town. Contact btfcmarketing@icloud.com for details. A POINT FROM HOLIDAY WEEKEND Goal-less draw followed by narrow defeat Braintree Town took just a point from their two matches over the August Bank Holiday weekend. On Saturday Iron entertained Chippenham Town and, despite dominated for lengthy period, had to settle for a point from a goal-less draw. On August Bank Holiday Monday, the long 550-mile round journey saw the players at a hotel on Sunday night to prepare for the game on Monday. Iron were lively from the off and took a sixth minute lead through Will Davies who opened up the home defence before sliding his shot past the home keeper. Keeper Jack Sims will be disappointed with Torquay's equaliser twelve minutes into the second half as he saw a free-kick wide on the left floated over him into the far corner. Iron continued to push forward but tired late on and Sims conceded a penalty in the fifth of the eight additional minutes. Torquay broke into the home 18-yard box and the Braintree keeper raced off his line to deny possession only to concede a spot kick which was duly converted. Next up for Braintree is the visit of Worthing this coming Saturday afternoon, 2nd September, with kick-off at 3pm. POINT APIECE AT DOVER Early lead chalked off Braintree Town ventured down the M2 to visit Dover Athletic on Saturday and came home with a point from an entertaining 1-1 draw. Iron took the game to the home side from the off and Tom Blackwell's shot in the opening minute hit both posts before skidding away for a throw. But the Braintree fans didn't have to wait long for an opener, skipper Kyran Clements volleying home from a corner after just six minutes. Clements had the chance to double Braintree's advantage on 15 minutes but saw his snapshot just miss the target. Dover got themselves back into the game after 25 minutes when the second of two successive speculative appeals for a penalty were rewarded with a spot kick and Dunne sent Sims the wrong way to roll the ball into the bottom right corner. A couple of minutes after the half time interval keeper, Sims had to be at his best to deny a long range effort. On 75 minutes an intercepted pass saw Josh Dawudo release Nnamdi Nwachuku on the edge of the home 18-yard box. He took the ball around a defender only to see his shot from a tight angle palmed away by the home keeper. Next up for Braintree is the visit of Chippenham Town this coming Saturday afternoon, 26th August, with kick-off at 3pm. IRON BEATEN BY MAIDSTONE Odd goal in three defeat Braintree Town slipped to an odd goal in three defeat at home to visitors Maidstone United on Tuesday evening. The Kent club took the lead on the half hour from Bone, but Iron were level early in the second half. Two minutes after the re-start a Tom Blackwell cross was headed home by Harry Beadle. But former Braintree player Sam Corne added a second for Maidstone on 71 minutes to secure his side the three points. Next up for Braintree is a visit to Dover Athletic this coming Saturday afternoon, 19th August, with kick-off at 3pm. CLEMENTS SECURES BRAINTREE'S THREE POINTS Two goals to the good, Iron need a late, late third Iron let a two-goal lead slip in the fifth minute of time added on but were not to be denied three points at Cressing Road on Saturday. Braintree looked comfortable at the interval - two goals ahead and playing some good football. Toby Stevenson put Iron ahead on 23 minutes. He took advantage of slack defending to take the ball on the left and tucked the ball past the exposed Truro keeper. Tom Blackwell doubled our advantage three minutes before the break again getting the better of the keeper from close range. Seven minutes after the break, a mistake by Jack Sims let Greenslade pull one back for the visitors and Iron had to defend their more slender advantage. They looked to have completed that task until the fifth minute of six added minutes saw Truro level through Neal. But Iron heartache turned to joy from the re-start as Kyran Clements headed home to give Braintree a deserved 3-2 victory. Next up for Braintree is the visit of Maidstone United this coming Tuesday evening, 15th August, with kick-off at 7.45pm. For those of you still to collect them, Season tickets will be available for collection from the passes gate before the game against Maidstone - see Alan Robson for your ticket! IRON SECOND BEST IN SOMERSET Early lead is turned around in a gale Braintree Town came back from the long journey down the M4 & M5 to Taunton with little to show for a poor performance in difficult conditions. Playing with gale-force winds behind them during the first half, Iron dominated early on and were gifted a fifth minute lead when the home keeper's clearance struck Nnamdi Nwachuku and rebounded into an unguarded goal. But the home side levelled in the third minute of the two additional first half minutes through Grimes and netted the winner through Stearn with the wind at their backs sixteen minutes from time. Next up for Braintree is the visit of Truro City this coming Saturday, 12th August, with kick-off at 3pm. For those of you still to collect them, Season tickets will be available for collection from the passes gate before the game against Truro - see Alan Robson for your ticket! PRE-SEASON FINISHES WITH IPSWICH VISIT Ipswich Town XI to visit on Friday evening Braintree Town complete their pre-season fixtures with a friendly at home to Ipswich Town this Friday evening, 28th July, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Admission is by card or cash on the turnstile and is just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. The clubhouse bar will be open before, during and after the match. Iron have enjoyed a series of pre-season friendly matches so far with victories over Clacton Town (1-0), Ipswich Wanderers (4-1), Holland (6-1), Sudbury (1-0) and Canvey Island (4-0). We lost 1-0 at Needham Market last Saturday and drew 0-0 at Hornchurch last Tuesday. After the Ipswich friendly, Iron's next fixture is away at Taunton Town a week on Saturday, 5th August, with kick-off at 3pm. Season tickets will be available for collection from the Clubhouse after the match against Ipswich Town - see Alan Robson for your ticket. IRON START AT TAUNTON Torquay away August Bank Holiday Monday Iron start their Vanarama South fixtures with a trip to Somerset to visit Taunton Town on Saturday, 5 August. Their first home fixture is a week later, Saturday, 12 August when we entertain Truro City - who were promoted from the Southern League Premier South following their 3-2 play-off victory at Bracknell. The following Tuesday, 15 August sees Iron at home again to Maidstone United, who were relegated from the National League at the end of last season. The August Bank Holiday Monday, 28 August, sees Iron travelling down to Devon to visit Torquay United, who were also relegated from the National League at the end of last season. Iron start their Christmas and New Year holiday fixtures with a trip to Farnborough on the Saturday before Christmas, 23 December, before entertaining neighbours Chelmsford City on Boxing Day, Tuesday, 26 December. The return, at the Melbourne Athletics Stadium, taking place on New Year's Day, Monday, 1 January 2024. Easter is early next year and our Good Friday match, on 29 March 2024, is away at St. Albans City, followed by the visit of Hemel Hempstead Town on Easter Monday, 1 April 2024. Iron finish their Vanarama South fixtures at home to Eastbourne Borough on Saturday, 20 April 2024. In this season's Emirates FA Cup competition, Iron start their involvement in the Second Qualifying Round on Saturday, 16 September, with the draw scheduled to take place on Monday 4 September. The Third Qualifying Round will be on Saturday 30 September, followed by the Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday 14 October and the First Round Proper on Saturday 4 November. In this season's Isuzu FA Trophy competition, Iron have been exempted until the Second Round Proper on Saturday 18 November, with the draw scheduled to take place on Monday 30 October. The Third Round will take place on Saturday 9 December and the Fourth Round on Saturday 13 January. IRON START PRE-SEASON WITH A WIN Victory against Clacton In the pouring rain at Cornard United's ground, Braintree Town started their pre-season fixtures with a single-goal victory against Clacton. A team of trialists competed in the first half for Iron and turned around goal-less. After the break a stronger side took the field and Nnamdi Nwachuku tucked home the decider on 72 minutes from a Josh Dawodu cross from the right. Next up for Iron is a trip to Easter Counties League champions Ipswich Wanderers at Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich IP4 3NR this coming Saturday, 8 July, with kick-off at 3pm.  23/24 KIT AGREED Club go with the old and the new The Club have agreed their playing kit for the forthcoming 2023/24 season. The traditional orange & blue is back for the home kit, together with the diagonal band concept switched from last season's popular away kit. Away from home the Club have switched to a pale all green kit with the subtle super-imposition of the club badge on the shirt. If you would like to purchase a replica of the new kits - please speak with Chairman Lee Harding or e-mail him at chairman@braintreetownfc.org.uk for more information.  125 YEARS YOUNG Club celebrate anniversary While some clubs come and go, The Iron carry on relentlessly. Founded in 1898, we celebrate our anniversary and the Club badge will be adjusted subtlely to commemorate our longevity. Here's to the next 125 years. GOODBYE & THANK YOU Club looking for new Shirt and stadium sponsors Our previous shirt and stadium sponsors - Dunmow Group - have withdrawn their sponsorship of the Club. If you are interested in any or all of: home shirt, away shirt or stadium sponsorship of The Iron - please speak with Chairman Lee Harding or e-mail him at chairman@braintreetownfc.org.uk for more information. VACANCY: SALES & MARKETING Club have a vacancy for someone to assist with our Sales & Marketing The Club have a vacancy for a Sales & Marketing Manager. The position is a part-time voluntary one and would be ideally suited for a supporter able to spare a little time to assist with the financing of the Club. The role involves liaising with new and existing sponsors and advertisers. If you would like to help the Club with this important role, please e-mail Chairman Lee Harding at chairman@braintreetownfc.org.uk for more information. VACANCY: VIDEOGRAPHER Club have a vacancy for someone to record our matches The Club have a vacancy for a Videographer, to replace Maurice Pilgrim who has stepped down. The position is a part-time voluntary one and would be ideally suited for a supporter wanting to play an important role at the Club. The role involves recording every home match at the Club and uploading match footage to various servers. If you would like to assist the Club with this important post, please e-mail Chairman Lee Harding at chairman@braintreetownfc.org.uk for more information. FRIENDLY MATCH - CHANGE OF VENUE Our game against Sudbury will now take place at Cressing Road Our pre-season friendly match against Sudbury will now take place at Cressing Road on Saturday, 15th July, with kick-off at 3pm. GET YOUR SEASON TICKETS AS YOU WATCH THE CUP FINAL Get your early purchase season ticket discounts on Saturday, 3rd June The Clubhouse will be open on Saturday, 3rd June from 2pm-8pm for supporters wishing to take advantage of the discounted season ticket prices for the coming 2023-24 season while watching the all-Manchester FA Cup Final. See below for more price information. VACANCY: FOOTBALL SECRETARY Club have a vacancy for a Football Secretary The Club have a vacancy for a Football Secretary. The position is a part-time voluntary one and would be ideally suited for a supporter wanting to play an integral part in the day-to-day running of the club and would also be invited to be an associate director of the Club. Previous Secretary Matt Hawtin has stepped down from his role following changes to his day time employment. The Football Secretary is responsible for all player registrations and will liaise closely with both Manager Angelo Harrop and Assistant Manager Steve Pitt. The role also sees responsibility for working with the National League and opposing clubs to confirm fixtures, etc. If you would like to assist the Club with this important job, please e-mail Chairman Lee Harding at braintreeTFC@aol.com for more information. CLUBHOUSE OPENING TIMES FOR SEASON TICKET PURCHASES Get your early purchase season ticket discounts by Saturday, 3rd June The Clubhouse will be open on Saturday, 27th May from 2pm-8pm; on Thursday, 1st June from 7.30pm-9pm; and on Saturday, 3rd June from 2pm-8pm for supporters wishing to take advantage of the discounted season ticket prices for the coming 2023-24 season. See below for more price information. TICKET PRICES FOR 2023-2024 ANNOUNCED Matchday prices held for sixth successive year The Club have agreed their match day and season tickets pricing for next season. Matchday prices for the forthcoming 2023-24 season will remain unchanged for the sixth year in succession. Next season's Vanarama South Division will again include 24 clubs and therefore 23 home league matches. Adult and concession season tickets bought on or before Saturday 3 June 2023 will allow supporters to sit or stand anywhere they choose in the Stadium. As in previous seasons, season ticket holders who purchase on or before 3 June 2023 will be rewarded with five games FREE of charge, while an under 18 season tickets offer an incredible FOURTEEN games free! We have extended our new initiative for season tickets for our younger supporters - Under 12 - who are provided with entry for just £23 - or just a POUND a game! As usual, 'early bird' discounts are offered for season tickets purchased on or before Saturday 3 June 2023. To get yours, the Iron Clubhouse will be open during Saturdays and Sundays, plus Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Bring your form and payment with you. Any queries to 01376 330976/345617. Supporters can pay for their season tickets by card, cash or cheque and the season ticket application form can be downloaded here: SEASON TICKET APPLICATION FORM. PROMOTION HOPES END AT WORTHING Iron lose by odd goal in three Braintree Town's end of season promotion play-off hopes started and ended at Worthing on Wednesday evening. Iron made the worst possible start conceding in the opening couple of minutes but levelled after ten through Lamar Reynolds. Back on level terms, the two early goals set up a pulsating match that saw both sides have chances to take the initiative. All square at the break, Zak Bradshaw saw his effort scrambled clear two minutes into the second half, while Alfie Pavey's header came back off the upright after 55 minutes. Two minutes later saw the West Sussex side unlock the Iron defence to score what proved to be the winner. Iron then pushed forward to get back into the game, while the home side also found Jack Sims in fine form to keep Braintree's hopes alive. But as the clock wound down, the Iron players couldn't find a way through the well-marshalled Worthing defence and will now look to build on the progress of this campaign next season. Next up for Braintree is a pre-season friendly at home to an Ipswich Town XI on Friday, 28th July, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
|   - - - Saturday, 2nd December 2023 3pm WEYMOUTH (Home) - - - Tuesday, 5th December 2023 7.45 Hampton & Richmond (Away) - - - Saturday, 16th December 2023 3pm AVELEY (Home) - - - Saturday, 23rd December 2023 3pm Farnborough (Away) - - - HOW WE STAND   
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