Cambridge United goalkeeper Ben Hughes has joined National League South side Braintree Town on a loan deal. The move was completed late last week and Hughes was handed an immediate debut for the Iron.
Steve Pitt, the Braintree manager, highlighted the 22-year-old's impact despite a 2-1 defeat to Truro City. "Obviously, we’ve been struggling a little bit defensively," Pitt said. He praised Hughes's shot-stopping, distribution and communication, calling one first-half save "absolutely unbelievable".
Pitt's double signing push
Hughes arrived alongside striker Saleem Akanbi, who joined from Bishop’s Stortford, as part of Pitt's strategy to strengthen both ends of the pitch. Pitt described the goalkeeper's arrival as his most significant move to tighten a defence that had conceded goals in a concerning manner. He wanted to take fellow keeper George Barrett out of the firing line.
Despite the loss, which left Braintree fourth from bottom, Pitt was positive about his new signings. He noted that apart from a missed punch and a marker error for the second goal, Hughes performed very well. Akanbi, initially planned for 60 minutes, played the full 90 and was seen as a new focal point in attack.
The loan provides Hughes with regular first-team experience while Cambridge United continue their strong League One campaign. The U's are currently fifth with 16 points from nine games, having won three and drawn two of their last five matches. Their next challenge is an away trip to face 19th-placed Barnsley on 17 October. Fans can track the club's progress via the standings and fixtures pages.
Hughes is expected to remain with Braintree Town for the duration of his loan spell.
More detail at Colchester Gazette
