BRAINTREE TOWN hit the goal trail in their two pre-season friendlies on Saturday.

Jordan Cox netted twice as the Iron kicked-off with a 4-0 victory at STANWAY ROVERS.

That game kicked-off at 11.30am and then, at 3pm, another Braintree XI cruised to a 7-0 success at Long Melford.

Their goal-scorers in that game were Dan Sparkes (3), Sean Marks (2), Chez Isaac from the penalty spot and Ronnie Hawkins.

Elsewhere, BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT lost 4-2 at home to Leiston.

Phil Kelly and Jake Turner were on target for James Webster's side.

MALDON & TIPTREE and HALSTEAD TOWN knew they were in for tough afternoons against Conference South opposition.

Terry Spillane's Maldon entertained Chelmsford City and ended up losing 3-0.

Halstead went down 5-0 at home to Concord Rangers.

WITHAM TOWN were away to Ware and lost 1-0, with the solitary goal coming in the second half, while FC CLACTON had a hastily-arranged friendly at Essex & Suffolk Border League side Coggeshall.

Glenn Eldridge's side ended up winning 7-0, thanks to a hat-trick from Jake Plane, two from Aaron Condon – last season's top scorer – and two from youngster Kalon Harms.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS play their first friendly on Tuesday night, at home to Colchester United, but the club's entire squad – first team and under-21s – were involved in a practice match at the Garrison.

WIVENHOE TOWN'S first game is at Brightlingsea on July 23.

For full non-league coverage, including pictures and reaction, see Monday's Daily Gazette.