Once again, Braintree Town manager Richie Powling fielded an experimental squad for the third of Braintree's pre-season friendlies when they entertained Billericay at Cressing Road on Saturday.

Upwards of a dozen newcomers have now been given a run out as the new Iron manager systematically makes preparations for the Ryman League Division One campaign, which starts next month.

Billericay also have been active in the market place during the summer and they too had quite a number of fresh faces on view.

So what with the procession of players on both sides plus the effects of the hottest day of the year, the football was not of the greatest intensity but at least the game served its purpose and provided the opportunity of running the rule over the triallists.

On the Braintree side, Karl Shuttlewood, a big central defender, partnered former Arsenal and Leeds United veteran Chris Whyte at the back and it was a pity that a slip by Shuttlewood, the former Saffron Walden player, that allowed Billericay to take the lead in the 40th minute.

After losing possession on the edge of the penalty area, Shuttlewood enabled Richard Dunwell to score with an accurate 20 yard shot over the head of goalkeeper Nick Rust.

It was their ability to show a little more opportunism around the penalty area that gave Billericay the edge and a second goal came in the 66th minute.

After coming on as a substitute, former Heybridge Swifts and St Albans City striker Gary Caldon stabbed the ball home from close range after Braintree had failed to clear their lines.

After visiting neighbours Witham Town in mid-week, Braintree are in action again tomorrow (Saturday), when they entertain Ryman League Premier Division side Purfleet at Cressing Road, (kick-off 3pm).

Next Tuesday, Histon Town from the Jewson Eastern Counties League come to Braintree, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

On the slide . . action from Saturday's pre-season friendly between Braintree Town and Billericay Town at Cressing Road, a game that Billericay won 2-0.

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