LUKE Allen feels Braintree Town's pre-season fixtures have exposed them to the type of tests that they will be facing this season in the National League.
The Iron conclude their summer schedule with an eye-catching home game against local rivals Chelmsford City at Cressing Road on Saturday.
It will be another testing game for Braintree against a side they drew with twice last year on their way to earning promotion from the Vanarama National League South.
Allen feels the examinations they have had during pre-season will have set them in good stead for the challenges in the higher division, particularly the games they have had against Football League opponents - Colchester United, Ipswich Town and Cambridge United.
"Cambridge brought a good squad to us last weekend and I felt we were quite competitive," he said.
"We showed a lot on the ball and it was quite even, but pre-season is all about getting fit and ready for the season.
"So in that respect it was good as we got a good run out against a good team.
"Those are the games we've needed in pre-season because we have to get used to playing against full-time teams.
"They are who we're going to come up against next year.
"Cambridge train every day and are in a league above us so it was a good test for us.
"There are lots of full-time teams in the National League and we have to be ready to stand up to that test with our fitness."
Allen acknowledges that fitness will be a big factor in the club having success in the National League and said players were working hard to make sure they were prepared for the challenges coming up.
He added: "We're all trying to do work outside of our time with the club because we need to compete against those full-time teams this year.
"Everyone is doing extra work, but there is still a bit more work to be done and we'll be ready for the first day of the season I'm sure.
"Personally, I'm happy with where I am.
"You always feel you can be a bit fitter, but I'm working on that."
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