Braintree vs Woking

The match was a competitive affair typical of pre-season meetings between these two non-league sides, who have met 14 times since 2012. Both sides fielded mixed line-ups as they built fitness ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken in the 83rd minute when Matthews stepped up to convert from the penalty spot, sending the Woking goalkeeper the wrong way. The spot-kick was the decisive moment of a contest that had been evenly matched until that point.

The penalty award in the 83rd minute shifted the balance of a game that had looked destined for a goalless draw. Braintree had grown into the second half, and the spot-kick rewarded their increasing pressure. Woking were unable to find an equaliser in the remaining minutes.

• Matthews (Braintree): The match-winner, showing composure from 12 yards to score the only goal of the game.

• Courtney Senior (Braintree): The winger, a notable summer signing for the Iron with EFL pedigree from AFC Wimbledon and Barnet, was a lively presence throughout, as highlighted in Woking's pre-match preview.

• Woking defence: Kept Braintree at bay for 82 minutes but were undone by the penalty decision.

Braintree's 1-0 victory reflects a narrow margin typical of pre-season contests where both managers prioritise fitness and minutes over all-out attack. The clean sheet will please Braintree manager Steve Pitt, who confirmed he would continue in charge after the club's relegation to the National League South. Woking, preparing for a National League campaign, will have valued the competitive minutes against a side that finished bottom of the National League last season.

For Braintree, this was the fifth of eight scheduled pre-season friendlies. The Iron had already played Welling United (3-2 win), Brightlingsea Regent (draw), Aveley (defeat) and Cambridge United (behind closed doors) before this fixture. Their pre-season schedule continued with Colchester United U21, Felixstowe & Walton and Aldershot Town before the National League South season begins on 8 August against Tonbridge Angels.

For Woking, this was a step up in their pre-season preparations after a narrow defeat to Portsmouth. The Cards had three more friendlies before starting their National League campaign, including a home fixture against Reading on 25 July. Manager Jody Brown will be assessing the squad's readiness as the season opener approaches.

A typically tight pre-season friendly between two non-league sides with a long history. Matthews' 83rd-minute penalty was the difference on a night when minutes and fitness were the priority. Both managers will have taken useful information from the exercise as they finalise preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

Report by Betmana