by DANNY RUST

NEW Braintree Town striker Reece Grant cannot wait to test himself in the National League South.

The front man has joined from Bostik League division north neighbours Heybridge Swifts.

He says he is leaving Swifts “a better player” than when he first signed for the Scraley Road side.

But now he is relishing the challenge of playing in the second tier of non-league football.

“I’m very pleased and excited to have climbed two levels and now it’s time to show everyone why Braintree signed me and continue my development at a big club,” he told the Times.

“Braintree were relegated last season, but I’m very confident I can score the goals to take us back up.

“There’s already a good squad with some top-quality talent who all want to achieve things and push the club back into the National League.

“I’m confident that once I get my foot in the door and am given the opportunity, with the quality that is already there, I can contribute to the club’s success this season.”

Grant made a big impression last season, netting 25 goals, and finished as top-scorer at Heybridge.

And it was fitting that he notched both Swifts goals in what appears to have been his final appearance for Jody Brown’s side.

He inspired Swifts to a 2-1 win over Mildenhall Town on the opening day of the Bostik League division north season on Saturday.

Grant admits he will look back on his time with the club fondly and expects them to challenge for promotion to the premier division come the end of the campaign.

“It was a massive learning curve for me at Heybridge Swifts,” he said.

“It was an opportunity to get games under my belt and improve week by week.

“I was part of a team fighting to beat relegation and that brings many traits to a player’s game.

“It makes you mentally tough and, after staying up, it makes you feel ready to adapt to any situation football throws at you.

“We also had many ups during last season, mainly in the cup competitions.

“But I can definitely look back and say I’ve left a better player."

“The club have made some good signings this summer and, with the confidence and tightness in the group, I believe they will be right up there fighting for promotion.”

Braintree, who lost 5-3 at East Thurrock United on Tuesday, entertain Hampton and Richmond Borough tomorrow.