IRON 2-1 Southend Utd.

[admin]

Sounds like the Shrimpers have the blues again after their latest pre-season friendly.

[dbbn]

Another good game last night and another strong performance from the Iron. Braintree started with a different XI with no Marks, Davis or Isaac available. Brundle came into midfield and was complemented on the right by Miles and a new face unbeknown to me slotting in at right back. Iron could have been in front within 30 seconds as Sparkes let rip from outside the box; his powerful effort drifting wide of the far post. Southend posed more of an aerial threat up front and MCDonald struggled with a few weak punches as he tried to get amongst the bodies to clear. At times some of the one touch passing was a joy to watch from Braintree and this was to make life difficult for the Shrimpers as their defence became exposed. Cheek had three good chances to score, firstly being denied by an excellent last ditch tackle, secondly wanting to many touches before shooting and thirdly, missing the easiest chance of the half putting a far post header over the bar from 6 yards on the stroke of half time. Before this however he had set up Akinola with a quality headed lay off for Simeon to smash home on the half volley. Shortly after this he could have doubled his tally when gifted a poor back pass, but shot early from an angle and the keeper blocked with his feet. Brundle in his more advanced midfield role also let fly and just cleared the bar in a half in which the Iron deservedly led.
The second half saw Southend make wholesale changes and this XI gave the Iron a better work out, but it was Braintree who would again take the initiative and double their lead. Sparkes was set free down the left and put in an early cross which Cheek left for the oncoming Akinola to calmly slot away his second of the evening. Braintree gradually replaced several players as the half wore on and Southend finished stronger, culminating in being awarded a very soft penalty when Clerima breathed to hard on their centre forward causing him to fall over.
Following on from the Orient game; Fry had a better game tonight with some timely tiding up and just being in the right place at the right time, although his distribution often let him down. Cheek for me still looks at sea at this level; hopefully a goal will change that. Miles did really well, passed and moved the ball intelligently and was tenacious too. Whoever the guy at right back was; he too is worth another look at, linking up well with Miles and decent getting forward to add to his capable defensive work. For me Norris looks the better option in goal at the moment. The other trialists didn't get that much time to impress and Bakare was a bit like a headless chicken in his keenness to impress.

[castIRONgooner]

Right back was Jeremy Walker I believe he was at Corcord last season which would explain why him and miles linked up well. Don't think cheek is any better than Sean or Jordan. Thing I was most impressed with last night is the attitude of Danny and Nicky, every instruction was positive even when players had made a mistake.

[layon]

Agree with dbbn. A really good start under Danny and Nicky. Two Football League teams well beaten. One thing that impressed me was the effort put into closing down the opposition when they had the ball and the effort put into winning back the ball when we lost it. Pressing by everyone high up the pitch (a bit like Barcelona!). Also making some good chances and having a go at goal more often.
Looking good for the start of the season.

[jonw]

Line up: (1) Nathan McDonald (2) Remy Clerima (3) Sam Habergham (4) Jeremy Walker (5) Matt Paine (6) Matt Fry (7) Mitch Brundle (8) Taylor Miles (9) Michael Cheek (10) Simeon Akinola (11) Dan Sparkes
SUBS - Will Norris for McDonald 45 mins; during the course of the second half the following changes were made: (16) James McQuillan for Fry; (15) Billy Gibson for Miles; (18) Jordan Cox for Cheek (17) Anthony Edgar for Akinola; (19) Michael Bakare for Sparkes.

[rustynail]

I sat this game out but have been reading the Shrimpers Fans Forum.
Lots of plaudits for Akinola with fans wanting him signed up! Can we hold onto him for the whole season?
One fan on forum now declares he has switched allegiance and will be coming along to the Amlin.

[oranjeboom]

In fairness to all if the Blues want Akinola and are prepared to sufficiently compensate us the club won't stand in Simeon's way to advancing himself I think. Football fans are fickle and excitable and will wish to sign any players who has a good game against their team.

[4whatitsworth]

I believe several clubs are keeping tabs on Simeon, but as he is under contract it will need a realistic transfer fee for us to let him move on.

[ad75]

In relation to the performance, I must echo some of the previous comments.

There are signs of some changes to our play, with our pressing the ball very high up the pitch, and working very hard to win the ball back.

Clearly, our fitness levels need to be very good to maintain this for 90 minutes, but everything that I've read so far keeps me confident that our Management Team have this under control.

I also saw the two new defenders (Fry & Walker) looking for a short pass out from the back first, before looking for the long ball as a last resort.

Overall, very pleased with what I saw.

Akinola was sharp, took his goals well, and worked back hard, which previously wasn't always evident. I was also impressed with Brundle, Sparkes, Clerima, plus very encouraged with the performances of Walker, Fry and Miles.

[Braintree TV]

Highlights of this game are now on www.braintree-tv.com

[richardnott]

What was the attendance for this friendly against Southend United