Braintree Town kicked off their summer preparations on July 12, 2026, drawing 2‑2 with Brightlingsea Regent at North Road in a lively pre‑season friendly. Manager Steve Pitt rotated two completely different line‑ups, highlighting the depth of his revamped squad.

How did the match unfold?

The Iron started brightly, with former Maldon and Tiptree striker Anisus Lewis finding the net twice in the first half to give Braintree a 2‑1 lead at the break. Brightlingsea fought back in the second period, equalising late to finish the game level. Pitt praised the commitment of every player, noting that the heat tested stamina but the team’s intent never wavered.

Which newcomers impressed?

Lewis stole the spotlight, but central defender Jacob Mensah also drew attention after returning from a season‑long loan at Aveley. Mensah, previously of Dover Athletic and Hubbard, looked settled in the back line, helping to organise a defence that has conceded 76 goals this season – a stark contrast to last year’s frailties. The manager highlighted the blend of experience and youth as a key factor for the upcoming campaign.

What does this mean for Braintree’s season?

While a friendly result carries little weight, the performance hints at a more competitive Braintree Town. The club sits 23rd in the National League with 36 points from 46 games, a recent form of LLLDL and a goal difference of –38 (38 scored, 76 conceded). Their last league outing was a 5‑1 defeat to Tamworth on April 25, 2026, underscoring the urgency of improvement.

What’s next on the schedule?

Pitt confirmed the next test will be a trip to Welling United on Tuesday, 7.30 pm at the Avery Hill Campus 3G pitch. After that, Braintree travel to Aveley on Saturday for a 3 pm clash. Despite relegation, the Iron have been invited to the National League Cup, joining a group with Norwich City and Ipswich Town youth sides – a chance to chase prize money and rebuild confidence.

Why fans should stay optimistic

The blend of fresh faces and returning veterans suggests a squad that can gel quickly. Pitt’s willingness to experiment, as shown by fielding two distinct XIs, offers flexibility. If the early signs from Lewis and Mensah translate into league matches, Braintree could climb the table, even though they sit 72 points behind leaders York.

The Iron’s journey is just beginning, and the next few fixtures will reveal whether the pre‑season promise can turn into tangible results.