SKIPPER Kenny Davis believes Braintree Town are in good shape ahead of their third season in the Conference Premier.
After finishing 12th in their first campaign in the top flight of non-league football, the Iron were even better last year, ending the season in an impressive ninth place.
Manager Alan Devonshire has managed to keep most of last season's squad together, and ahead of Saturday's season opener at Hereford United, Davis is feeling good.
"Pre-season has gone pretty well," he said. "We've got most of the boys back from last year which is always a good start, especially after such a good year last year. I'm looking forward to the new season.
"It's not the easiest start, but it's a good test for us. The first game is a bit hard to judge for everyone. It's a hard game, no doubt about that but it's a good game for us get started with."
Braintree welcome Woking to the Amlin Stadium on Tuesday night for their opening home game, but it was away from home where the Iron were most impressive last term.
They won ten of their 23 away games – compared to nine at home – a tally which was only bettered by four other Conference teams.
And Davis believes his side can be good on the road again as they continue to get to grips with life in the Conference.
He added: "In front of the bigger crowds and what not we seem to perform a bit better.
"We're hard to break down and always have a goal in us.
"It's been good on the road for us and I hope it will continue this year.
"I think we've adapted to it better. Every game is as tough as it was in the first two seasons, but I think we have learned to read the league a bit better.
"You have to adapt your game, there's some very good players in this league, it's a very strong league. It's going to be tough but I think we can have a good year again.
"As a player, you've always got to progress each year, I progressed last year and I want to do the same this year.
"You get better by playing against better players, you learn new ways to get around the pitch, show more intelligent play.
"I think I've got better, obviously I'm not the best player in the world but I've definitely improved."
Devonshire has insisted that 50 points is his main aim this season, but midfielder Davis believes that anything is possible in the division.
"It's the same for everyone," he added. "You've got to see what you can get on the board before Christmas and then realistically set your challenges from there.
"We go into every game wanting to win, but the important part for us is to get those 50 points ."
