Fixture Update Slough match postponed Braintree Town's home match against Slough Town, scheduled for this coming Saturday, 22nd January, has been postponed due to a death in the visitors' playing squad. Our thoughts are with all connected at Slough at this difficult time. Our next fixture is therefore this coming Tuesday evening, 25th January, when we entertain Welling United, with kick-off at 7.45pm. In the Essex Senior Cup, we have been drawn away to Isthmian League Premier Division side Bowers & Pitsea in the Quarter-Finals. Despite our request to play on an alternative night, our friends at the Essex FA insisted that the match be played a week on Tuesday, 1st February and therefore our Vanarama National League trip to Maidstone United, scheduled for that evening, has had to be postponed again. Our match at home to Chelmsford has been re-arranged for Tuesday, 8th February, with kick-off at 7.45pm. New dates for our home match against Slough and the trip to Maidstone will be announced as soon as they are agreed. Iron in the goals Progress for Braintree Iron continue to make progress, with eleven goals in their last four matches, four points picked up in the league and progress in the County Cup. Following an entertaining 2-2 draw at home to Dartford, Braintree travelled to leaders Dorking Wanderers and came home unfortunate not to secure a point from a 2-1 defeat. Iron gave themselves a mountain to climb by conceding twice early on, but rallied after the break and reduced the areas through Stefan Ilic on the hour. Despite further pressure, Iron were unable to level the score. Last Tuesday week saw Braintree ease through to the last eight of the Essex Senior Cup with a straightforward 4-1 victory over Isthmian League Division One North side Basildon United, courtesy of a hat-trick from new signing Eoin McKeown and a fourth from Adam Morgan. Without a fixture last Saturday, Iron travelled fresh to Hampton last Tuesday evening for their third attempt to play the Middlesex club and finally prevailed 4-2. Hampton took the lead from the penalty spot on 20 minutes but Iron levelled two minutes later through Matt Johnson. Two goals in eight minutes from Luke Holness put Iron 3-1 ahead at the interval. Throwing players forward Hampton pulled a goal back on 83 minutes, before Correy Davidson restored our two-goal advantage with our fourth two minutes from time. The three points lifted to within six points of 18th placed Welling with two games in hand and the two sides meet next Tuesday! Chelmsford visit postponed Covid limits player availability Our Vanarama South fixture at home to Chelmsford City has been postponed by the National League. This comes following a number of positive Covid-19 cases in our visitors' squad. A new date will be discussed between the two clubs and will be announced in due course. Next up for Iron is a trip to Dorking Wanderers on Saturday, 8th January, with kick-off at 3pm. Happy New Year! Holiday schedule for Iron Two games in 48 hours Next up for Iron is a trip to Chelmsford City on Boxing Day, with kick-off at 3pm. This match will be followed by the visit of Dartford to the Dunmow Group Stadium two days later on Tuesday, 28th December, with kick-off at 3pm. Iron exit Trophy on penalties Trip to Hertfordshire Saturday before Christmas Braintree Town went out of this season's Buildbase FA Trophy competition at fellow Vanarama South side St. Albans City on Saturday after losing a sudden death penalty shoot out 6-5. The game had finished goal-less after ninety minutes with Iron down to ten men for the remainder of the game. St. Albans City away in the FA Trophy Trip to Hertfordshire Saturday before Christmas Braintree Town are through to the Third Round of the FA Trophy on Saturday, 18 December, where they will travel to fellow Vanarama South side St. Albans City, with kick-off at 3pm. Second postponement at Hampton Re-arranged match washed away Braintree Town's re-arranged Vanarama South trip to Hampton & Richmond Borough on Tuesday 7th December was postponed as the Beveree pitch was under water. A new date is likely in January. All square on Canvey Island Behind and ahead at Concord Braintree Town shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw at Concord Rangers on Saturday. Having conceded early on, Iron responded and were 2-1 ahead by half time, through Krasniqi and Da Costa. The Canvey Island side levelled early in the second half and the game finished all square at 2-2. Progress in Trophy & County Cup Victories over Potters Bar and Witham Braintree Town progressed into the Third Round of the FA Trophy with a 3-1 victory over Isthmian Leaguers Potters Bar Town. Having taken the lead through Krasniqi, Iron were pegged back when the Hertfordshire side levelled the score just before the break. However two second half goals from Krasniqi and Holness saw Braintree through to the Third Round on Saturday, 18 December. The following Tuesday evening saw Iron ease through to the Fourth Round of the Essex Senior Cup with a 3-0 victory over neighbours Witham Town, with two goals from Luke Holness and a penalty from Femi Akinwande. The draw for the Fourth Round is expected in the new year. Witham Town in the Essex Senior Cup Iron at home a week on Tuesday Braintree Town have been drawn at home to Isthmian League Division One North side Witham Town in the Third Round of this season's BBC Essex Senior Cup. This match will take place a week on Tuesday, 30th November, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Admission prices for this match will be reduced to: £10 - Adults, £7 - Concessions, £5 - Under 18s and Free to Under 11s. Potters Bar Town in the FA Trophy Iron at home a week on Saturday Braintree Town have been drawn at home to Isthmian League Premier Division side Potters Bar Town in the Second Round of this season's Buildbase FA Trophy. This match will take place a week on Saturday, 27th November, with kick-off at 3pm. Admission prices for this match will be reduced to: £10 - Adults, £7 - Concessions, £5 - Under 18s and Free to Under 11s. The outcome of the game will be determined on the day with a penalty shoot out following any games that finish level after 90 minutes. Lights out at Hampton Iron denied by lack of light Braintree Town's Vanarama South trip to Hampton & Richmond Borough ended in frustration as, leading 1-0, Iron were denied the chance to extend their unbeaten run as floodlight failure led to the abandonment of the game. This match is now likely to be re-arranged for Tuesday 7th December, with kick-off at 7.45pm. Next up for Iron is a return to the Dunmow Group Stadium this coming Saturday, 20th November, as Braintree Town entertain visitors Havant & Waterlooville, with kick-off at 3pm. Braintree back to winning ways Kyron Clements sets up three point haul Iron moved off the foot of the Vanarama South table after Saturday's single-goal victory over visitors Tonbridge Angels. The deciding goal coming after 21 minutes when defender Kyron Clements converted from close range. The visitors pushed for an equaliser after the break and Braintree also had chances to add to their slender advantage, but had to see out five minutes of time added on to secure their first three point haul since August. Next up for Iron is a trip to Hampton & Richmond Borough this coming Saturday, 13th November, with kick-off at 3pm. Iron end losing run Braintree leave it late to earn a point Iron made the long journey down the M4 to visit Chippenham Town and ended their losing run with a 1-1 draw. Iron fell behind from a goal of the season contender courtesy of home captain Kieran Parselle who took a touch from a cross field ball before drilling his effort past Iron keeper Billy Johnson. Braintree turned around behind after a lacklustre first half but were the better of the two sides after the break. Femi Akinwande saw his point-black header palmed over the bar from close range and that effort looked to be Iron's best chance before netting an equaliser in time added on. A cross from the right from Gianni Critchlow caused havoc in the home defence, with Myles Anderson the last to get a touch before the ball found the back of the net. Next up for Iron is the visit of Tonbridge Angels this coming Saturday, 6th November, with kick-off at 3pm. Braintree heading West again Iron look to end run of eight successive defeats Braintree continue their Vanarama South campaign with a trip to Wiltshire to visit Chippenham Town on Saturday. Iron continue to strive to turn their fortunes around. After a bright start to the season, recent results have seen the team slip to the foot of the table. Chippenham have won three and drawn four of their eleven games to date and slipped to thirteenth in the table following Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat by previously bottom of the table Hemel Hempstead Town - it was the Wiltshire club's sixth match without a win. Kick-off at Hardenhuish Park is 3pm. Successive defeats leave Braintree bottom Defeats at home to Dulwich and at Ebbsfleet Iron slipped to the foot of the Vanarama National League South Division table following two defeats in three days. Last Saturday Braintree gave themselves a mountain to climb at home to Dulwich Hamlet, turning around 2-0 adrift. Tom Derry pulled a goal back, but Iron could not break down the packed visitors defence and went down by the odd goal in three. Signs of improvement came at Ebbsfleet on Tuesday evening with Iron squandering several chances to take the initiative before the break. The Kent side finally broke the deadlock on 73 minutes when they converted a contested penalty and then added a second to leave Braintree bottom of the table. Braintree entertain Dulwich Hamlet South Londoners visit for Vanarama South fixture Iron continue their Vanarama South campaign at home to Dulwich Hamlet this coming Saturday, 23rd October with kick-off at 3pm. The Champion Hill club sit in mid-table with three wins and two draws from their seven league games to date, but lost their last match 2-1 at home to Billericay Town a fortnight ago. For match admission prices, click on Tickets above. A digital copy of our matchday programme can be downloaded here: DOWNLOAD Iron improve but lose again Mistakes costs Braintree in Kent Braintree made the journey into Kent and came back beaten by the only goal of the game at Welling on Saturday. Despite a bright opening for the, it was a Correy Davidson mistake on the left of the Iron midfield that opened up the visitors defence to allow Ade Shokunbi to break into the Iron defence and steer the ball past the exposed Billy Johnson. After the break Iron dominated for lengthy spells but struggled to break down the increasingly desperate home defence and returned back to Essex with a sixth successive defeat. Braintree over the bridge to visit Welling Iron look to end run of successive defeats Braintree continue their Vanarama South campaign with a trip to Bexleyheath to visit Welling United on Saturday. Iron are looking to turn their fortunes around. After a bright start to the season, recent results have seen the team slip down the table. Welling too have had a tough start to the campaign and made changes to their team management, bringing in former England manager Peter Taylor to lead the squad at the end of September. Last Saturday the Kent club moved immediately above us in the South table with a 3-1 win at Chippenham. Kick-off at park View Road is 3pm. St. Albans City visit Braintree Clarence Park club visit for Vanarama South fixture Iron continue their Vanarama South campaign at home to St. Albans City this coming Saturday, 9th October with kick-off at 3pm. For match admission prices, click on Tickets above. A digital copy of our matchday programme can be downloaded here: DOWNLOAD Home friendly on Friday Great Wakering visit later this week As Braintree Manager Ryan Maxwell looks to get our season back on track, we have arranged a friendly match for this coming Friday evening, 1st October, at home to Great Wakering Rovers. Kick-off 7.45pm. Admission will be by donation, to assist the Club with the cost of the match officials. Heavy defeat at Eastbourne Iron concede six after game changing penalty Iron suffered a heavy defeat on their travels on Saturday going down by six goals to nil at Eastbourne. Behind after nineteen minutes, Iron saw their hopes further hindered by a 29th minute penalty decision that looked harsh and saw new signing Nathan Bertram-Cooper dismissed. Down to ten men Iron struggled to restrain a lively home side and conceded four goals to lose 6-0. On the day, a painful lesson for the Club, but we learn that any challenge in the penalty area that is deemed to be a foul and denying a goal scoring opportunity will see both a penalty awarded and the automatic dismissal of the perpetrator. Iron bow out of the FA Cup Odd goal in three defeat Braintree Town were eliminated from this season's Emirates FA Cup, going down 2-1 at home to Billericay Town. Femi Akinwande put the Iron ahead from the penalty spot early on, but Braintree conceded before the interval. The second half saw Iron on the backfoot and concede a late winner. As a result Iron will have no fixture on Saturday 2nd October. Billericay Town visit Braintree in the FA Cup Local derby for Second Round Qualifying tie Iron continue their campaign at home to Billericay Town in the Emirates FA Cup this coming Saturday, 18th September with kick-off at 3pm. For match admission prices, click on Tickets above. Season ticket holders are reminded that, as this match is a cup match, their tickets are not valid for this tie - all pay. A digital copy of our matchday programme can be downloaded here: DOWNLOAD Bath City visit Braintree Iron welcome Somerset club Iron continue their Vanarama National League South campaign at home to Bath City this coming Saturday, 11th September with kick-off at 3pm. For match admission prices, click on Tickets above. Those season ticket holders who have not collected the tickets will be able to do so from Gates 5/6 tomorrow. A digital copy of our matchday programme can be downloaded here: DOWNLOAD Billericay at home in the FA Cup Iron face Essex neighbours on Saturday, 18th September Braintree Town have been drawn at home in the Second Round Qualifying of this season's Emirates FA Cup. Opponents a week on Saturday, 18th September, will be our Essex neighbours Billericay Town. Kick-off for this match will be 3pm and season ticket holders are reminded that, as the gate receipts are shared for this match, their season tickets are not valid for this fixture. Trip to Hungerford postponed due to a Covid incident The National League office have confirmed that Saturday's Vanarama South trip to Hungerford has been postponed due to Covid incident at the Berkshire club. News on a new date when we have it. Unbeaten start extends to four games but Iron see points slip Braintree continued their unbeaten start to the season with two draws over the August Bank Holiday weekend. A controversially conceded penalty a minute into the second half of the game against Dorking Wanderers at the Dunmow Group Stadium on Saturday saw the Iron denied a win against high-riding Dorking Wanderers in an entertaining game of football by both sides. The incident happened when a long right wing cross was floated into the Iron area and full-back Ezra Ikbuasi turned towards his marker only for the ball to fall on the top of his shoulder as he tracked his man but somehow referee Callum Walchester deemed it to be handball, handing a penalty which Wanderers' Taylor Bobby-Joe duly converted. "I just can't simply understand why referees can give a penalty in such circumstances," said Iron manager Ryan Maxwell. "There was clearly no intent, no advantage to be gained by the defender and purely a passage of play." He went on: "It's really frustrating because we were well in command of the game, had a few chances to score in either half, saw two of our efforts cleared off the line and in the end we find ourselves sharing the points. "We know they are a well financed, well organised outfit with experience players but we more than matched them on the day and overall I think any neutral watching the game would say we should have won," he continued. "We started far too slowly, allowed them time and space so it was no surprise when they took the lead on 11 minutes when we caught out at the back." He went on: "But full marks to our lads because they showed what character we have in the side and they refused to let that early first half goal affect them. "I think we should have won this game and I'm disappointed but certainly not in our performance," he explained. "We soon managed to get a grip on the game and players showed their desire and commitment to take the game to them and we had chances to have even come in at half time 3-1 up, in my view." He continued: "I think they got lucky on the day because particularly in the second half we completely controlled the game and caused their backline all kinds of problem and they play loads of long balls up to their wingers but I felt both our full-backs Ikbusai and Jay Porter did exceptionally well in keeping them in check." After their shaky start the Iron settled more into the game and with Femi Akinwanda, restored to the right wing after his one game suspension, causing their defence all kind of problems all afternoon with his pace. He duly scored the equaliser for the Iron on 33 minutes when he jinked his way down the right flank, dribbled past two defenders in the area before driving the ball low into the visitors' net. With confidence continuing to build, Iron kept pressing hard and twice in quick succession the visitors managed to scramble the ball away off the goalline but the inevitable happened on 41 minutes when a crossfield ball in the visitors' area fell to Correy Davidson who controlled it well on the turn and drilled the ball home from 20 yards. Despite the early penalty setback on the restart, Iron kept pressing forward and on 59 minutes the unmarked Luke Holness should have scored when he was set up on the edge of the penalty only to turn and fire the ball over the bar. At the other end twice Ikbuasi, clearly Iron's man of the match alongside the impressive midfield display by Arjanit Krasniqi, saved the day with timely tackles when the visitors broke clear. On 77 minutes a clever left wing move by Davidson saw the ball whipped into the penalty area where Matt Johnson sidefooted it towards the net only for a last ditch clearance off the goal line that denied Iron a goal. "It was a really well worked move and caught the visitors off guard and it was another goal chance for us that went begging," said Maxwell. "Then Femi had another great chance to score with a header that dropped straight to the keeper. "Disappointed though I am in not winning and collecting the three points we clearly deserved to but I was so pleased with the overall performance and again it's another step forward in the right direction," he added. What also understandably annoyed Maxwell and his assistants on the bench was when referee Walchester failed to show a straight red card to Wanderer's skipper Barry Fuller on 83 minutes for a clear and potentially dangerous two-footed tackled on Iron defender Luke Pennell and despite taking some time to decide the punishment he finally issued a caution. "It was so blatantly a bad tackle and the kind of thing that has to be stamped out so how could the referee not see that as a straight red I cannot understand," he added. Braintree Town: Edwards; Ikbuasi, Porter, Pennell, Clements; Payne, Johnson, Akwanda, Krasniqi; Holness (90+2 Renee), Davidson (89 Crichlow). Unused subs: Ainsworth, Hope. Attendance: 461 48 hours later at Billericay saw another two points lost rather than a point gained for Iron in this local derby at New Lodge. Iron led twice but conceded a second equaliser in the last minute of normal time to end up sharing the spoils before a decent holiday crowd of 827. It was really inexperience that cost the Iron a victory so late on because having regained the lead again midway through the second half they should have seen the game out comfortably but they allowed their hosts to snatch a last-gasp equaliser. "I'm obviously disappointed because we should have punished them when we had the chances and really have then won the game but in a local derby you are going to get various twists and turns in the game," said Iron manager Ryan Maxwell. "Goals win matches and we should have scored more, particularly in the first half which I felt we dominated. "They pulled a goal back on 51 minutes so that naturally gave them fresh impetus in the early part of the second half," he continued. "But I felt we had weathered the early storm, scored a cracking second goal and then had two clear cut chances to have scored again which would have really put us completely in the driving seat." He went on: "But many of these lads are still learning the game and also some have come up three or four levels below our league and for most it was their first ever taste of a local derby and quite a challenge. "But I'm pleased with the overall performance and the way we played and some of the moves were exactly what I wanted and showed how we can play and the potential we have at this level," he added. "Conceding such a late goal in the last minute is frustrating and we should have done better but we're still unbeaten and we go again this Saturday away to Hungerford Town. "We want to naturally win every game of course but it doesn't always happen that way and we have to be realistic but I'm more than happy we gained at least a point on the day although I feel we deserved all three," he continued. "Our good performances so far show that we have a good, close knit group of players who want to play for each other and help the club at the same time." Making one change from the previous game at home to Dorking Wanderers with Luke Holness dropping to the bench and speedy winger Gianni Crichlow on from the start Iron were certainly the more assertive side in the first half and twice striker Femi Akinwande broke clear only to see his efforts charged down at the last moment. Iron pressure paid off on 29 minutes when Akinwanda's fine through pass down the ring wing to Crichlow saw the diminutive winger's cross go straight to Arjanit Krasniqi who volleyed home from the edge of the penalty spot to give the Iron a deserved lead. Immediately after half time the home side raised their game and on 51 minutes scored a rather fortunate equaliser when the ball ricocheted off a defender in the Iron area and it fell kindly to Norman Wabo and the ex-Iron striker sneaked the ball low into the net. The Iron retaliated and twice great runs down the right wing by Ezra Ikebuasi saw his crosses zip across the home area with Correy Davidson only inches away from sliding the ball into the net. Just past the hour an Iron substitution by manager Maxwell proved shrewd because with his first touch of the ball from a Akinwande pass Luke Holness was left unmarked and slotted the ball into the net to restore the Iron's lead. On 69 minutes Krasniqi wasted a great chance to have extended the Iron lead and give his side some breathing space but a fine cross by Akinwande to the unmarked midfielder who fired well over the bar when he could have found the net. At the other end the ever alert Preston Edwards pulled off two fine saves from the home side late on but there was little he could do about their second equaliser right on full time as from a dubious free-kick given by referee Skipper the hosts launched a high ball across into the area where Wabo was again lurking and needed no time to slip the ball into the net. Any neutrals watching would have probably thought a draw was a fair result but for Maxwell it should have been a win adding: "Everyone knows that when you're winning with only moments to go you should ensure you lock the shop up but on this occasion we didn't yet the players, particularly the less experienced ones will learn from this occasion." Braintree Town: Edwards; Ikebuasi, Porter, Clements, Pennell; Crichlow, Johnson, Krasniqi, Payne; Davidson (61 Holness - subbed 88 Renee), Akinwanda. UNused subs: Balogun, W Johnson (gk), Hope. Dorking visit Braintree Iron welcome Surrey club Iron continue their Vanarama National League South campaign at home to Dorking Wanderers this coming Saturday, 28th August with kick-off at 3pm. For match admission prices, click on Tickets above. Those season ticket holders who have not collected the tickets will be able to do so from Gates 5/6 tomorrow. A digital copy of our matchday programme can be downloaded here: DOWNLOAD Holness hat-trick sets up Braintree Iron move into the top five It was birthday hat-trick boy Luke Holness who set up Iron for their first league win of the season and the 23 year-old admitted afterwards: "I can't believe it - it's my first ever hat-trick playing in senior football." The Londoner though was full of praise for the help from his team mates in scoring two first half goals in the 10th and 16th minutes followed up by a third on 62 minutes which crucially gave the Iron some breathing space as the home side looked set for a second half revival. With regular striker Femi Akinwande suspended it gave Holness his first start for the Iron in a competitive game and he never let down manager Ryan Maxwell's trust in that he could find the net. "I'm thrilled to bits to score my first ever hat-trick because I've never played at this level and it's a big challenge for me," he said. "I felt confident on each of the three occasions when the ball came to me and I knew I could score. "What's more important though is the three points from the game which I felt we controlled well and really played some good football and it's also the benefit for all the players from all the hard work we've put into our training sessions," he added. "Hopefully I can now build on this great start and score more for the team." Manager Maxwell was delighted for the youngster adding: "He took his chances really well and although he's still learning at this level he's already shown what he's capable of at Conference football." The first goal came when he broke clear and fired in a terrific hard shot that glanced off a defender's boot and dropped high into the net over the head of home keeper Nick Hayes. Six minutes later it was 2-0 when Holness fired high into the net at the near post. With the Iron well in control throughout it did take an excellent first half save from keeper Preston Edwards to keep the Iron with a clean sheet and then late in the game it was Edwards again who pulled off two fine saves to deny a rejuvenated home side a goal. Holness completed his deserved hat-trick on 62 minutes when another well worked move down the right saw him glide the ball home from close range. Maxwell added: "Preston did exceptionally well when called upon and pulled off crucial saves but also his constant talking to team mates at the back was also a big factor. Before the season started I asked him to 'roll back the years' as it were and he has certainly done in such an excellent manner. What also pleased me about the overall performance, apart from keeping that clean sheet away from home, but the passing and interchanging in our play right through the whole afternoon. I was really pleased with the effort and commitment by all the players and even when they pressurised us we had players prepared to chase back and close their players down and get vital tackles in. We know this league is going to be tough but judging from our first two games I am really satisfied with how we've gone about it and the players have the confidence to do what we ask of them in every game. Nobody is getting carried away and there's still a great deal of work to do so complacency doesn't come into our thinking and we have competition for places which is a good thing." Maxwell had two new signings on the substitutes' bench in Jamal Balogun, a young defender released by Watford, and striker Richard Afrane-Kesey, another youngster released by Charlton Athletic and who came on in the 79 minutes to replace the tiring Holness. "He did well in the few minutes he was able to play and both will have other chances to show what they can do," said Maxwell. "In this game I was particularly pleased with the way our back four worked as a unit and snuffed out repeated home attacks while the midfield players played some tremendous passing football and movement and that's what we want to continue in our next games." Braintree Town's next game is on Saturday next when they entertain Dorking Wanderers at the Dunmow Group Stadium, kick off 3pm. Braintree Town: Edwards; Ikbuasi, Porter, Clements, Pennell; Payne, Krasniqi (86 Renee), Johnson, Davidson; Holness (79 Afrane-Kesey), Crichlow (69 Ainsworth). Unused subs: Balogun, Hope." Gate: 502. Iron share points in opener Sending off the turning point Braintree Town battled hard throughout their opening day Vanarama League South game and were good value for their point from a 1-1 draw - but it left manager Ryan Maxwell frustrated that his side had not won all three points in what was an entertaining encounter at the Dunmow Group Stadium. "I'm obviously pleased with a point in the end but in reality we were the better side throughout, created more chances but were in my view let down by some poor decisions," he declared. "You cannot account for that in a game and in the end it had a great bearing on the result." Maxwell was furious for a second yellow card and sending off of Femi Akinwande on 65 minutes adding: "He was blatantly fouled by their defender as even the neutrals watching could see and it was the same in the first half when again he was clearly fouled by a defender." He went on: "The players had really worked hard throughout the game and then to end sharing the points was a clear injustice." Alfie Payne had given the Iron the lead on 50 minutes with a low drive inside the area after a well worked corner but the sending off changed the game and, despite some heroic defending in the last 20 minutes of the game, Dan Matsuzaka snatched an equaliser with five minutes to go with a header on the edge of the penalty box. "It was a blow because we defended so well being one man down and full credit to all the players - they never gave up and stuck to their defensive duties and even then we had a couple of chances to have added to our score," Maxwell continued. "Our goal came from a set play we had been using in training and to be honest we should have scored with a similar move in the first half. "I always felt we were comfortable against a well drilled side that was pushing for promotion last season and the signs for us are really encouraging," he declared. "The players carried our distinct instructions from the kick off and we had a clear, defined game plan that worked and a win was certainly on the cards until certain crucial decisions were made which I find amazing." He went on "There's intense passion amongst the players and they know they have to die in every game to keep the short because we have other players waiting for their chance. "One thing is certain is that Braintree Town will not be the whipping boys in this division this season," he said. "I know it was a bitter sweet end to the game only getting a point but they all did so well being a man short for most of the second half," he said. "We know we still have a lot to work on and it will again be hard working training sessions this week in readiness for our next game at Hemel Hempstead on Saturday." The game was extended by eight minutes of stoppage time during which Iron keeper Preston Edwards pulled off two fine, instinct saves to stop the visitors from poaching a winning goal. Maxwell finished by saying: "Everyone played their part and now we'll get ourselves ready for the next game and go away from home aiming to secure our first win of the season." Braintree Town: Preston; Ikbusai, Porter, Clements, Pennel; Hope (70 Renee), Johnson, Payne (86 Holness), Krasniqi; Davidson, Akinwande. Unused subs: Ainsworth, Okonkwo, Crichlow. Attendance: 412 Oxford City Saturday Off we go again! Iron start their Vanarama National League South campaign at home to Oxford City this coming Saturday, 14th August with kick-off at 3pm. For match admission prices, click on Tickets above. Those season ticket holders who have not collected the tickets will be able to do so from Gates 5/6 tomorrow. A digital copy of our matchday programme can be downloaded here: DOWNLOAD Last friendly match postponed Match against Peterborough Sports off Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, tomorrow's (Saturday's) friendly match at home to Peterborough Sports has been cancelled. Our next match will therefore be at home to Oxford City on Saturday, 14th August with kick-off at 3pm. Welcome to new sponsor Dunmow Group join the Iron family Braintree Town Football Club are delighted to welcome the Dunmow Group as their new home shirt and stadium sponsors for the forthcoming two seasons, through to the summer of 2023. Chairman Lee Harding said: "This is a real shot in the arm for the Club and will do wonders in supporting our aspirations to get the club back to the top level of the non-league game. Every penny invested by the Dunmow Group will be given to manager Ryan Maxwell to help him strengthen our already impressive looking first team squad. Like everyone else we've had a tough past couple of seasons - the pandemic has hit us hard - but things are looking up!" Dunmow Group CEO Sam Malins, said: "Braintree Town Football Club have a proud history and professionalism, on and off the pitch, their values align with ours at the Dunmow Group. We are delighted to support the Braintree community by being part of the club's journey for this and future seasons." For over 30 years, Dunmow Group has and continues to be the leading waste management business in Essex. Dunmow are known for its skip hire, waste collection services, aggregate supply, scrap metal recycling and liquid waste removal. With recycling centres based in Chelmsford, Colchester and Clacton, no job is too big or too small for the team to handle at the family-owned business. All services are provided to domestic and commercial customers, always offering a fast, efficient and customer-focused service. For all enquiries please email sales@dunmowgroup.com, or call 01245 466646 or book online at www.dunmowgroup.com! Pictured: Mr Sam Malins, CEO of the Dunmow Group, with Iron Manager Ryan Maxwell. Changes to Pre-season fixtures trip to Sudbury cancelled - new match at home to Ipswich The pre-season fixture scheduled for this evening at AFC Sudbury has been cancelled by the Suffolk club. We have agreed to entertain an Ipswich Town U23s side on Tuesday, 27 July. We will now look to re-schedule our trip to Maldon & Tiptree. All home pre-season matches will be just £5 entry. The following pre-season fixtures have been agreed: Saturday 10th July 2021 3pm Bishop's Stortford HOME Saturday 17th July 2021 3pm Dagenham & Redbridge HOME Tuesday 20th July 2021 7.45pm TBC Saturday 24th July 2021 3pm QPR XI HOME Tuesday 27th July 2021 7.45pm IPSWICH TOWN XI HOME Saturday 31st July 2021 2pm Grays Athletic AWAY (at Aveley FC) Saturday 7th August 2021 3pm Peterborough Sports HOME Saturday 14th August 2021 3pm 1st Vanarama South match - TBC Season tickets for season 2021/2022 Last season's tickets held over The Club have agreed that supporters who purchased season tickets for last season's null & void 2020/2021 campaign will be held over to the forthcoming season. Those supporters that wish to take advantage of this arrangements are asked to indicate on the revised season ticket application form for next (2021/2022) season. 2021/2022 kit released Iron kit gets a refresh The Club have released details of their playing kit for the forthcoming season. Iron will be playing at home in orange & white striped shirts, royal blue socks and orange socks. The Club's second kit will be green shirts, white shorts and green socks. A third kit will also be available which will be white shirts, either royal blue or white shorts and either royal blue or white socks. League Fixtures to be announced next week Braintree Town's Vanarama National League fixtures will be released on Wednesday 7th July.

Tuesday 25th January 2021 7.45 WELLING UNITED (HOME) Saturday 29th January 2022 3pm Bath City (Away) Saturday 5th February 2021 3pm EASTBOURNE BOROUGH (HOME) Tuesday 8th February 2021 7.45 CHELMSFORD CITY (HOME) HOW WE STAND