Braintree Town manager Danny Cowley is pleased with the progress that he is seeing from his team as they continue preparations for the Vanarama National League season.

Cowley’s team had a 2-1 win against League One new boys Southend United on Friday and a 2-2 draw on Saturday at Thurlow Nunn League premier division side Stanway Rovers to stay unbeaten in their pre-season fixtures so far.

The game against Southend saw two goals from Simeon Akinola either side of half-time leave David Mooney’s late penalty as only a consolation for the Shrimpers.

And Akinola was also on target in the Braintree squad game at Rovers the next day.

The Iron came from behind twice to secure a draw, with former West Ham trialist Anthony Edgar getting the other Braintree goal and Cowley believes things are looking positive for his team.

“It’s nice to see progress,” he added.

“By Tuesday they will have been here nine times in 12 days and their commitment has been excellent.

“Let’s not get carried away because we’re still on zero points but we’re certainly moving in the right direction.”

Braintree are due to have another pre-season game at Heybridge Swifts on Monday night, but Tuesday’s friendly at Cressing Road has been cancelled because the Royals don’t have a team available.