BRAINTREE Town boss Angelo Harrop believes their friendly against Crystal Palace was exactly what his side needed at this stage of pre-season, writes DAVID WARD.

The Iron lost 5-0 to the Eagles at the Rare Breed Meat Company Stadium, as Harrop's team continue their preparations for the new National League campaign.

It was a first-class lesson for the new-look Braintree team in how football is played at Premier League level with pace, passing, player movement on and off the ball and shooting on sight at every opportunity.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

The Iron were missing potential first-team players through injury and fielded several trialists throughout but full credit to all the players, as the side grew more into the game.

Harrop said: "Obviously they are at a totally different level with their speed of play, cohesion and tremendously quick work rate and in all honesty, that's exactly what we need at this stage of pre-season.

"It was a fantastic workout for all our players including the several trialists on show and it's an experience from which they will gain.

"It also showed us the true character of the 16 or so new players we have signed and that everyone kept working away against all the odds really against a far superior side.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

"I want to thank Palace for coming to us and showing what football is all about at the highest level and something perhaps some of our players can aspire to.

"It just shows what a big step it is for our players just going into the top National League let along take on higher quality opposition.

"But I was pleased with the way with stuck to our tasks and I think it was a highly entertaining game particular for the 678 fans who came to watch and that size crowd for a pre-season match is tremendous for a club like ours.

"And I want to thank our fans for coming and I know we didn't score but at least they can see the work we are doing preparing for the new season.

"I'm really pleased with the workout and it's just what the players needed because going to play a lower level side and win by half a dozen goals is not really going to tell us anything about the new players so this was just what we needed."

(Image: JON WEAVER)

Braintree gave a debut to new goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge, who has joined them on loan from League One side Oxford United.

Harrop added: "I'm really pleased to get Jacob signed on loan because he comes with high praise from West Ham and I believe he will play a big part in our coming season and who knows then be snapped up a Football League club."

Next up for Braintree is a home game against Cambridge United on Friday, kick-off 7.45pm.