BRAINTREE Town ran out 3-0 winners at Needham Market in their latest pre-season friendly, writes JON WEAVER.

The Iron encountered Isthmian League Premier opposition, who were a step up from their previous two pre-season opponents.

It was Braintree's first-ever meeting with Needham at senior level, taking on a side who had won all of their four games to date.

Tommy Cooney was the only new addition to the side, although he had appeared at left-back in Iron's last two league games in the National League South.

Iron got off to a great start, with a goal from their first real opportunity.

In the 16th minute a corner was swung in and George Forrest rose unchallenged to power a bullet header into the corner of the net.

Play was fairly even but Iron continued to threaten and Romario Dunne extended their lead with the goal of the game, in the 28th minute.

He showed great strength to hold off his man as he powered through the middle and slotted the ball past Marcus Garnham.

On the stroke of half-time, excellent play from Rhodell Gordon helped the visitors extend their lead.

A quick throw by Johnville Renee to the midfield man enabled him to jink to the byline and thread an inviting ball across the face of the goal.

Dunne was there at the far post to convert his fourth goal, in the last three games.

The Marketmen responded strongly in the second half and set about finding a way back into the game.

However they found Ryan Schmid to be in excellent form, saving excellently from Adam Mills (twice) and Noah Collard.

The Iron defence were worked hard but stood resolute and can be proud of maintaining their clean sheet.

BRAINTREE TOWN: Ryan Schmid, Joran Balogun (Kyran Clements), Charley O'Keefe, Olu Olu, Lewis Ferrell, George Forrest (Macsen Fraser), Rhodell Gordon, Charley Barker, Romario Dunne, Johnville Renee, Tommy Cooney. Unused Sub: Seye Okunlola.