ESSEX-born Ian Miller has sent out a warning to conference newcomers Braintree Town – saying the top tier of non-league football is almost on a par with League 2.

The Darlington captain, who should come face-to-face with Braintree next season, has sounded a warning to the Iron about the standard they will expect next season in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Miller said: “The conference is a high standard, without a shadow of a doubt, and Braintree will soon realise that. There is not a great difference between the Blue Square Premier and League Two.

“There are teams who like to pass the ball, but there are also teams that like to mix it up. I think they will find that opponents are slightly more well-organised with a few more quality individuals.”

Braintree finished seven points clear in the Blue Square Bet South to give the side their first tilt at conference football.

Should he line up against them next season, Miller admitted the experience would be a trip down memory lane after growing up in the Colchester area.

Miller said: “I have been over to see Braintree play a few times with my Dad and it is nice that they have gone up. It will take me back a few years when I was playing the likes of Braintree, Chelmsford and Wivenhoe.”

Miller will lead his Darlington side out at Wembley today for the final of the FA Trophy against Mansfield (3pm ko).