BRAINTREE Town sent a team of trialists to National League North team Oxford City for a friendly and fell to a 5-1 defeat, writes JON WEAVER.

Iron had played Stevenage the night before, so only Dominic Odusanya, who captained the team and Fin Barnes made the trip.

Braintree assistant manager John White was in charge, with Angelo Harrop taking the opportunity to go and watch this weekend's National League opponents Oldham Athletic in action against Shrewsbury Town.

The strong Oxford side were soon in their stride and took an early lead through Corie Andrews.

But Braintree's trialists had Football League experience and they fought back, with the left-back grabbed a fine equaliser.

Oxford retook the lead from a Josh Ashby penalty before half-time, though Barnes came close to an immediate response when he struck a post.

In the second half, the home side grew stronger and added three further goals to run out 5-1 winners.

Iron's keeper made several fine saves to keep Oxford at bay, although the match was not as one sided as the scoreline suggests.