A single goal in the first-half was enough to earn Braintree Town a win as they visited neighbours Coggeshall Town for a pre-season encounter.

Both sides had early chances at West Street, but the game’s decisive moment came on 24 minutes when Mustafa Tariki scored for Braintree.

He controlled a ball forward with his head, got past his marker and slid the ball past Coggeshall keeper James Bransgrove and into the back of the home net.

Nnamdi Nwachuku provided the greatest threat for the home side and Iron keeper Nathan McDonald had to be alert to keep out the former Colchester United youngster.

There was also some good keeping at the other end as Bransgrove saved well to deny the iron’s Mohamed Bettamer to make sure it stayed at 1-0 heading into half-time.

Braintree stayed on the front foot after the break, with Irnti Rapai and Mahrez Bettache testing Bransgrove but there were no further goals and a competitive encounter ended with a slender win for the Iron.

All pictures courtesy of Jon Weaver.