Brand-new Braintree Town are too good for Long Melford in Stoneylands friendly
Braintree Town fans, players and officials at Long Melford. - Credit: Archant
A new-look Braintree Town side comfortably won their opening pre-season match at Long Melford on Saturday, 6-0, leaving new manager Brad Quinton well satisfied with their first outing.
However, Quinton – who was a legendary figure for Iron as a player, knows tougher friendlies are coming up.
With all new players both in the starting line-up and on the substitutes’ bench, he was looking for some early signs of teamwork and cohesion and, in reality, they did that by dominating the 90 minutes against their Thurlow Nunn Premier Division hosts.
Former Hendon and Enfield striker 21-year-old Karl Oliyide gave his new team a two-goal lead at the interval in what was a competitive first half, but the Iron stepped up a gear in the second half to easily overcome their hosts and also the extreme heat of the afternoon.
Former Swindon youth central defender Christian Frimpong, 18, added a third early in the second half with a superb header and shortly afterwards Burundi-born right-back Jonathan Muleba, 22, who was with Quinton at Enfield last season, moved up the right wing to score the fourth goal.
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Second half substitute Dernell Wynter grabbed two goals late on, including a 25-yard shot into the top corner of the net.
With only former Iron goalkeeper Nathan McDonald the only player known to watching Iron fans – he was made captain for the day – all the other players on show were debutants.
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The Iron fans will be hoping for a better season this time out, having been relegated from the National League Premier, after six seasons at that level.
Braintree Town were saddened to announce the passing of the club’s vice president Michael Doyle on Saturday morning.
Chairman Lee Harding, said: “A regular in the Iron clubhouse for many years, Michael was a jovial character who always managed to put a smile on the face of those he met and spent time with.
“His humour was infectious and he was a well respected member of our club.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
“As a mark of respect, a minutes’ silence will be observed prior to Saturday’s match at home to Southend United.”
