Lita on Target as Town Win at Braintree
Tuesday, 22nd Jul 2014 21:42 by James Ager

Striker Leroy Lita, one of six trialists in the starting line-up, netted the only goal as a Blues XI beat Skrill Premier side Braintree Town 1-0 in Brad Quinton’s testimonial at Cressing Road. Lita, 29, a free agent following his release by Swansea, followed up after Iron keeper Nathan McDonald had failed to hold on to a freekick from another trialist, French-Mauritian midfielder Kévin Bru, nine minutes before the break.

Also amongst the starters was French striker Achille Campion, along with three further trialists subsequently named on social media by Irish sources as Shelbourne youngsters Ryan Robinson, Adam McDonnell and Dylan Connolly.

Defender Robinson, 18, who has previously been linked with Everton, and winger Connolly, 19, faced the Blues in last year's pre-season friendly against the Dublin club, while midfielder McDonnell, 17, played in the fixture earlier this month.

Town boss Mick McCarthy, assistant Terry Connor and most of their staff were present to run the rule over the various hopefuls.

The hosts had the first chance of the game early on but Sean Marks lifted the ball over the bar under pressure from Town keeper Michael Crowe.

The Blues took the lead with just under 10 minutes of the opening period remaining. Bru's freekick was spilled by Braintree stopper McDonald and Lita pounced to tap the ball into the unguarded net from close range.

O'Donnell, playing in central midfield, struck the bar with a freekick 10 minutes after the restart.

A host of substitutions disrupted the flow of the second half, with Braintree introducing a number of former players who had played alongside Quinton during his 15 years at the Essex club. Quinton himself forced Crowe into a diving save on the hour mark with a 30-yard freekick.

Soon after, half-time Town subs Monty Patterson and Darren McQueen combined but the latter's effort was blocked by sub keeper Carl Pentney.

The home side pushed for an equaliser as the game drew to a close - James Baker's deflected acrobatic volley the closest they came, but Crowe clawed the ball away from danger.

Campion and Lita put in plenty of effort in the first half before making way, with Lita producing a typical poacher’s finish.

Most impressive of the many trialists was Connolly on the right wing, who certainly wasn't afraid to take on his opposing left-back and get a ball into the box.

Town XI: 1 Crowe, 2 J Robinson (Emmanuel 64), 3 Wyatt, 4 McDonnell (5 R Robinson 80), 5 R Robinson (Sowunmi 71), 6 M Clarke, 7 Connolly, 8 Bru (Willbye 58), 9 Lita (McQueen 46), 10 Campion (Patterson 46), 11 Lawrence (Galvin 58). Unused: McDermid. Att: 467.

Photo: Action Images

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theobald1985 added 21:49 - Jul 22 id take lita all day long did not know we had him on trial sign him up mick
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bluemagic74 added 21:50 - Jul 22 Well done boys, sounds like trilest alltok games.
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Taricco_Fan added 21:54 - Jul 22 Sign up A. Trialist!
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mojo added 21:55 - Jul 22 Never read a report with so many unknown trialists before. Looking forward to finding out who they all are.
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martleshamitfc added 21:56 - Jul 22 3 "unknown" trialists? didn't anyone recognise them?
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BlueandTruesince82 added 21:57 - Jul 22 Did anyone go?
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Michael11 added 21:59 - Jul 22 Never been fond of Leroy Lita. Always went for big money back in the day but never really produced anywhere.
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pazelle added 22:01 - Jul 22 I wonder who that mystery number 7 is? He must be worth a punt!
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Bluetone added 22:11 - Jul 22 Rrelease the trialist 3 they are innocent.
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Lightningboy added 22:23 - Jul 22 Wasn't Dave Beckham in the no.7 shirt by any chance...?
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purplealien added 22:28 - Jul 22

I lve in Brighton and occasionally get a free seat at the Amex (a mate's season ticket).

Brighton fans were underwhelmed by Lita last season to say the least. I saw him come on as a sub in one of the games at the Amex and he made no impression at all. Looked uninterested - just going through the motions. I suspect he's one of those who ups his game for a trial.

My advice would be steer well clear.

StuartBrett8 added 22:28 - Jul 22 Bentley showed up to play on the wing?
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SchancheITFC added 22:29 - Jul 22 Number 4 centre midfield, and number 5 centre back looked excellent players
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barrysandals added 23:16 - Jul 22 Lita looked quick and strong although I thought gave the ball away to cheaply at times. Bru looked good as well but against an average Braintree side.good to see MM and TC in with the crowd at half time...nice touch. Was blueboy at the game????
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MitchtheITFCman added 23:19 - Jul 22 What about the Hungarian striker on trial. Saw a video of him and he looked ok? How can nobody know who these mystery trialists are?
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brittaniaman added 23:29 - Jul 22 how many trialists will be in the team for the Colchester game ????????????
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kerryblue added 00:59 - Jul 23 Id give Lita a 12 month contract and see does he push himself,we have done it for a few far less skillfull players in recent years and hes not over the hill yet so worth a punt
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BuriramBlues added 04:48 - Jul 23 Get Jay Simpson he is available after his spell in Thailand has ended.
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PaphosBlue added 07:26 - Jul 23 Well if Connolly could be mistaken for Beckham and Bentley I say don't let him leave Portman Road!
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DurhamTownFan added 08:14 - Jul 23 What's the deal with the shirt sponsor change, phil? Has Mings got to buy us all new ones now or was this a one off?
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