BRAINTREE TOWN completed their pre-season programme with a behind closed doors fixture against Maidenhead United, at Cressing Road, writes JON WEAVER.
The visitors are managed by former Iron legend Alan Devonshire and included ex-Braintree players Alan Massey, Manny Parry, Ryan Peters and Dan Sparkes in their travelling party.
Iron were missing Ryan Kirkpatrick who had left for Berkhamsted.
There were few changes from the previous match at Barnet, as George Borg looked to find a settled team ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at Hashtag United.
The team held their own against their National League Premier Division opponents.
Iron goalkeeper Ryan Schmid was the busier custodian but Louis Yamfam and Rohdell Gordon both came close to scoring during a tightly-contested first half.
The match looked to be heading for a goalless draw until it was settled in the 72nd minute with a direct free kick from Sam Barrett.
It was tough on Braintree who came closest to taking the lead themselves just 60 seconds earlier.
Johnville Renee smashed a shot goalwards from six yards out, only to see it graze the crossbar.
BRAINTREE TOWN: Ryan Schmid, Jamie Fielding, Charley O'Keefe, Lewis Ferrell, Tarik Moore-Azille, Olu Olu, Alfie Payne (Johnville Renee), George Forrest (Kyran Clements), Romario Dunne (Seye Okunlola), Rohdell Gordon, Louis Yamfam (Liam Smyth).
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