CHELMSFORD CITY manager Dean Holdsworth is continuing to look at bolstering his squad after tasting victory for the first time by beating his former club Redbridge.
The Clarets – who are without a friendly clash this week – overcame the Ryman Division One North side 4-3 thanks to a late winner from trialist Jordan Holdsworth, son of the manager.
Mark Haines, Danny Webb and Keiron St Aimee were also on target for the Clarets, and Holdsworth senior was happy with the workout.
"It was nice to go back and say a belated thanks to Redbridge for my time there because I've not been back since the play-off final," he said.
"It was a good workout for us on what was a very, very difficult pitch.
"There's lots of stuff we can get better at so we'll get busy with the detail after another useful 90 minutes.
"I'm delighted with the signings we've made this week and will look to extend our squad wherever I can.
"I was so pleased for Jordan because he's had a really tough 15 months or so.
"He's battled back from illness and the manner of his departure from Aldershot was disappointing.
"He was a bit of a surprise addition to the squad but he's scored the winner and things are really looking up for him.
"He could be an asset for us."
Braintree boss Alan Devonshire was less satisfied with his side, though, as they were beaten 4-1 at home to League One side Colchester United.
Sean Marks was on target for the Iron, but they were already 3-0 down by then after a clinical performance from the U's, which saw Devonshire's men beaten for the first time in pre-season.
"In many ways you learn a lot more from a game like that," Devonshire said.
"We were poor first half, but did better after the break.
"It puts our feet firmly back on the ground and reminds us that we've still got a lot of work to do."
The Iron hosted a West Ham XI last (Wednesday) night.
Witham Town's pre-season has been hindered by a poor surface at their Spa Road stadium.
They had been beaten 3-1 by East Thurrock United on Saturday, before Tuesday night's game with Canvey Island was called off at half-time.
The visitors decided not to play the second period of the game after losing three players to injury.
Canvey boss Danny Heale said: "I'd heard through the grapevine before we got here that the pitch wasn't up to. I spoke to Garry Kimble about it and he said it wasn't the best but it was playable.
"We got here and thought it didn't look too bad, but it is bobbly.
"We've made the decision to call it off, and Garry Kimble has apologised to us.
"They're all right about it, but I've got to look after our team. I couldn't risk losing anyone else in the second 45 minutes."
Elsewhere, Burnham Ramblers won 1-0 at FC Clacton, Maldon & Tiptree recorded three wins in the week by beating Barking 4-1, Brightlingsea Regency 6-1 and Enfield 3-2, while Heybridge Swifts won a heated clash with Ryman South side Merstham, with Luke Callander – last season's top-scorer – netting twice.
