Former Colchester United goalkeeper Carl Pentney has joined Braintree Town.

The 24-year-old, who was released by the U’s in January 2013 without making a first-team appearance, has signed for the Iron in a one-year deal, with Nathan McDonald joining Ryman League premier division side Enfield Town on a loan deal.

England C shot-stopper McDonald was second-choice for Braintree between the sticks for most of last season and only made 18 appearances as former Chelsea trainee Nick Hamann held the keeper’s position for much of their Conference Premier campaign.

McDonald’s move means he will link up at Enfield with ex-Braintree manager George Borg and will work with his former team-mate, Brad Quinton, who has recently joined Enfield’s coaching staff.

Pentney, meanwhile, will come in at the Iron to vie for the keeper’s shirt with Hamann and was set to feature for them as they travelled to Ryman League premier division side Kingstonian for a pre-season friendly last night.

The former Colchester keeper started his career as a trainee at Leicester City and played in the Conference for Hayes and Yeading while on loan there from the U’s in the 2011/12 campaign.

He was at Chelmsford City in the Conference South last season and has been with Braintree during their pre-season fixtures this summer.

Following their 3-2 win at Kingstonian last night, Braintree are due to continue their preparations with a home game against a West Ham XI tonight.

It will see Iron boss Alan Devonshire up against a club who he made more than 350 appearances for in a glittering career in the 1970s and ‘80s with kick-off tonight at 7.45pm at the Amlin Stadium.