Braintree Town, the Iron from Essex, are charging into the 2025-26 National League season after a hard-fought 17th-place finish in 2024-25. Fresh off their promotion from the National League South in 2023-24, the team, now led by manager Steve Pitt, is ready to take on the fifth tier again, starting with their season opener against FC Halifax Town at home on August 9, 2025.
With a pre-season of ups and downs, new signings, and significant departures, Braintree are poised to make their mark. Let’s dive into their preparations and what’s new at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium (Cressing Road).
The 2024-25 Season: Survival Secured
Braintree’s return to the National League last season was a gritty affair. Finishing 17th with 56 points, they stayed four points clear of the relegation zone, defying a thin squad in the final months. Under Steve Pitt, who replaced Angelo Harrop in December 2024, the Iron leaned on a solid defence led by captain George Langston (22) and supported by Louie Annesley and Ryan Clampin’s dynamic runs.
They conceded fewer goals than all but the top seven teams, a remarkable feat. However, their attack struggled, scoring just 51 goals—one of the league’s lowest totals—relying heavily on Kyrell Lisbie, John Akinde, and Francis. The lack of a natural right-back was a persistent issue, with players often filling in out of position. Crucial draws against Southend and Dagenham & Redbridge, plus a 1-0 win over Halifax, sealed their survival.
Pre-Season 2025-26: Testing the Mettle
Braintree’s pre-season featured eight friendlies against non-league sides, EFL clubs, and Premier League youth teams, resulting in three wins, one draw, and four losses. With 11 goals scored (1.38 per game) and 10 conceded (1.25 per game), the Iron showed attacking spark but defensive vulnerabiliti
- July 8: Canvey Island FC 1-2 Braintree Town (A, 7:30pm BST)
A narrow away win over non-league Canvey Island kicked things off, likely led by star striker Aaron Blair (18 goals in 2023-24 National League South). - July 12: Billericay Town 0-2 Braintree Town (A, 3:00pm BST)
A confident victory against non-league Billericay Town highlighted early attacking cohesion. - July 15: Braintree Town 0-3 Cambridge United (H, 7:30pm BST)
A heavy home defeat to League One’s Cambridge United at Cressing Road exposed defensive gaps. - July 19: AFC Sudbury 0-3 Braintree Town (A, 3:00pm BST)
A dominant win over lower-tier AFC Sudbury showcased attacking strength, possibly with new signings contributing. - July 22: Enfield Town 2-0 Braintree Town (A, 7:30pm BST)
A loss to non-league Enfield Town raised concerns about defensive consistency. - July 25: Braintree Town 0-1 Fulham U21 (H, 7:30pm BST)
A late goal led to a narrow home loss to Fulham’s U21s, showing competitiveness but a need for sharper finishing. - July 29: Braintree Town 1-1 Colchester United (H, 7:30pm BST)
A strong draw against League Two’s Colchester United boosted morale, proving Braintree can compete with professional sides. - August 2: Worthing 2-1 Braintree Town (A, 3:00pm BST)
A narrow loss to National League South’s Worthing in the final friendly underscored defensive tweaks needed.
Stats Snapshot:
- Record: 3 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses
- Goals Scored: 11 (1.38 per game)
- Goals Conceded analogy to: 10 (1.25 per game)
The pre-season highlights a potent attack, likely driven by Aaron Blair, but the 10 goals conceded signal defensive work ahead for Pitt’s pragmatic, counter-attacking setup.Squad Changes: Fresh Faces and Big ExitsBraintree have reshaped their squad to tackle the National League’s demands, blending attacking reinforcements with a defensive overhaul.
Arrivals: Bolstering the Attack
- Lewis Walker (Centre-Forward, 26, Free Transfer from Woking FC)
A National League veteran from Woking, Walker brings experience and goal-scoring nous to complement Blair’s firepower. - Freddie Hockey (Centre-Forward, 19, Free Transfer from Chelmsford City)
A young, pacey striker from National League South’s Chelmsford City, Hockey adds depth and long-term potential. - Fletcher Hubbard (Central Midfield, 19, Free Transfer from Brightlingsea Regent)
A youthful midfielder from non-league Brightlingsea Regent, Hubbard offers energy and depth as a rotational player.
These signings align with Braintree’s pre-season scoring form, strengthening an attack that managed 11 goals in eight games.
Departures: Defensive Gaps to Fill
- Louie Annesley (Centre-Back, 25, Free Transfer to Dorking Wanderers)
A key defender in 2024-25, Annesley’s move to National League South’s Dorking Wanderers reduces defensive depth, a concern given pre-season concessions. - Jamal Fyfield (Centre-Back, 36, Free Transfer to St Albans City)
The veteran, a stalwart in the 2023-24 promotion, joins non-league St Albans City. His experience, especially at right-back, will be missed. - Kyrell Lisbie (Left Winger, 21, Transfer to Peterborough United)
The pacey winger’s move to League One’s Peterborough United (likely for a fee or loan return) removes flair, though new forwards help offset the loss.
The loss of two centre-backs could worsen the defensive issues seen in pre-season (e.g., 3-0 vs. Cambridge United, 2-0 vs. Enfield Town), putting pressure on captain George Langston and Ryan Clampin to anchor the backline.
The Road Ahead: 2025-26 Ambitions
Braintree’s 17th-place finish last season showed their grit, but their low goal tally (51) and defensive departures demand improvement. A mid-table finish (10th–14th) is the realistic target, with survival the priority. The attacking trio of Aaron Blair, Lewis Walker, and Freddie Hockey offers hope for goals, while Hubbard’s midfield energy adds depth.
However, the lack of a natural right-back and the loss of Annesley and Fyfield mean Pitt must shore up the defense to match last season’s solidity.
The opener against FC Halifax Town on August 9, 2025, at 3:00pm BST at Cressing Road will set the tone for their campaign.
Stay Connected
Track Braintree’s journey at their official website or the National League’s site for tickets, updates, and potential live streams.
