Braintree Town have completed the loan signing of goalkeeper Ben Hughes from Cambridge United to address a defensive crisis after a 2-1 home defeat to Truro City left them fourth from bottom. The move, alongside the arrival of striker Saleem Akanbi, represents manager Steve Pitt's most significant attempt to halt a slide that has seen the club lose four of its last five matches.
Steve Pitt explained the decision was driven by mounting concerns over how his side has been conceding goals. "Obviously, we've been struggling a little bit defensively," the manager said. He felt a change was necessary to take previous goalkeeper George Barrett out of the firing line, stating he needed something slightly different. The 2-1 loss to Truro, which followed a 1-3 defeat to Walton & Hersham, was the final catalyst for action.
Hughes' immediate impact
Hughes was thrust straight into the starting lineup and, despite conceding twice on his debut, Pitt was encouraged by his performance. The manager highlighted the new keeper's shot-stopping, distribution, and communication as key strengths. "He made one absolutely unbelievable save in the first half and his kicking is really, really good," Pitt said. He acknowledged a missed punch for Truro's second goal but overall believed Hughes did really well and is a good talker who will be a positive for the side. The young shot-stopper wanted to stay on for the full 90 minutes after being planned for only 60.
Akanbi adds focal point
The goalkeeper was one of two new arrivals, with striker Saleem Akanbi also joining from Bishop's Stortford. Pitt identified a need for an orthodox number nine to replace the departed Anisius Lewis. "I needed a focal point and somebody to lead the line again," he explained, believing Akanbi can offer exactly that. The manager is aware of the forward from his previous club and thinks he will be a really good addition to the squad.
The signings come at a critical time. Braintree currently sit 21st in the National League South with just 10 points from 11 games, having conceded 27 goals already this season. Their recent form reads four consecutive losses before a sole victory, leaving them 12 points adrift of leaders Maidstone United. The club's full fixtures show a daunting trip to second-placed Salisbury next, a match where the new recruits will be tasked with helping to secure a vital result. Supporters can track the team's progress in the standings as they look to climb away from danger. Braintree's next match is away at Salisbury on 17 October.
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