Michael Gash joins Braintree on loan from Cambridge

Braintree have signed striker Michael Gash on a month's loan from Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Cambridge United.

The 25-year-old scored nine goals in 40 games for Cambridge last season but is short of match fitness following the arrival of Sam Smith and Tom Elliott.

Braintree needed cover with Sean Marks suspended after his injury-time dismissal against Ebbsfleet in midweek.

"Gashy is a senior player and he needs to be playing football," said Cambridge manager Jez George.

"It's a good arrangement for us and him and he can get six or seven games in a month under his belt."

Gash began his career with Cambridge City before joining United in 2006.

After a year at the Abbey Stadium, he moved on to Ebbsfleet, York City and Rushden & Diamonds before returning in June last year.

Cambridge have also sent forward Adam Marriott and winger Jack Eades out on loan to Bishop's Stortford and Histon respectively.