Movin' On Up

Watching Primal Scream into the small hours at Brixton Academy, surely the opening track of their Screamdelica performance was an omen? Sadly only for Braintree. A truly miserable day reflected by dull chilly weather. A boring train journey up the branch line to deepest Essex, a boring walk to the ground through a light industrial area. Day brightened up with a couple of pints of Greene King IPA before we troop outside to slowly freeze watching the inevitable defeat. Maidenhead looked to be making a good fist of it before a now fully fit Cliff Akurang proves the law of the ex by giving Braintree the lead just before half time.  The second half was one way traffic with goals from Nathan Pinney and Kenny Davis sealing the win before new signing Ashley Thomas scored a consolation from the penalty spot.

So Braintree, after two games without a win, get their title bid back on track. Not that you would know it as the atmosphere at Cressing Road seemed much the same as when we first played at their well appointed ground back in Isthmian League Division One.  Maybe it was the attraction of England on the TV, maybe it was the cold, maybe it was the £12 admission fee, but this hardly felt like the club on the brink of an historic achievement.  And what's with all the orange? Is it a nod to near neighbours the Netherlands?

Eisen Braintree

Some things never change in football.  England falter in the knockout stages, Alec Ferguson thinks everyone is out to get him, and non league sides from Essex are strong, well disciplined result winning machines.
With the stars of Canvey Island and Grays Athletic fading its now the turn of Braintree to take on the role of the coming club from the east.  The two former clubs pretty much went as far as you can in non league football with their ruthless organisation reminiscent of the Germanic origins from which the county takes its name.  With Thurrock continuing to prosper albeit in a stable manner perhaps its Braintree's turn to carry the flag for Essex which flies so limply in the football league, along with Chelmsford who again look like being serious promotion contenders.
The Iron's strength derives from their wise move of appointing Rod Stringer as manager.  Stringer achieved  great things at lowly Aveley, taking them through the Isthmian league to the heights of third last season, and bringing him with him a number of the squad its clear that Braintree will retain their best underdog in show status that they have worn so discreetly in recent seasons.
Having the luxury of being able to confine David Bryant to the bench (one on my nominations as 2009-10 Blue Square South player of the season) shows that the Iron although not blessed with great financial strength can go all the way if they remain relatively injury free.
This was clearly illustrated by their second consecutive 3-0 league win, sweeping aside a Maidenhead side denuded defensively by injury and suspension.