BRAINTREE Town opened their pre-season friendlies with a behind locked doors game against Clacton at Tiptree on Thursday evening with a host of trialists on view, writes DAVID WARD.

Playing two entirely separate sides in each half, new manager Angelo Harrop and his backroom team were able to run the rule over a plethora of potential players.

Braintree's first-half side contained the most recognised first teamers with just two of last season's players on show - central defender Kyran Clements and midfielder Alfie Payne as they ran out 1-0 winners.

Making his Iron debut was newly-signed goalkeeper Jack Sims, 23, who started his professional career at Blackpool.

The Southend-born keeper was released in October 2021 and moved on to play for National League South side Welling United last season.

Whilst at Blackpool, he played 31 games out on loan at Northern League premier dvision side Lancaster City.

Sims, who was born in Southend, made three senior appearances for Blackpool during his time with the club.

Others making their Iron debuts were newly-signed experienced defender John White, alongside another former Southend United player in Matt Rush.

Recent recruits Ben Fowkes and Alfie Matthews also played in the first half.

The second half side was made up entirely of trialists and afterwards manager Harrop was pleased with the players' first outing in a competitive match.

Next up for the Iron is an away game at Newmarket on Saturday which is open to spectators and kicks off at 3pm.

This will be followed by another friendly at the manager's former club, AFC Sudbury, on Thursday, kick-off 7.45pm, followed by another at Needham Market on Saturday week.

Meanwhile behind the scenes Harrop has added to his backroom team.

Matt Brinkley has arrived as head of performance while Iron's new goalkeeping coach is Justin Moseley, who was at Haringey Borough FC last season.