BRAINTREE Town will be looking to bounce back this weekend following defeat in their National League South opener against Ebbsfleet United.

The Iron were beaten 3-0 at Cressing Road on Tuesday night, as their new league campaign got off to a disappointing start.

It was a convincing win for Dennis Kutrieb’s men, with a slick second-half performance the key to the visitors’ win.

Ebbsfleet had the majority of possession in the first half, but Braintree defended well.

Former Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Preston Edwards made his debut between the sticks for the Iron.

In the second half, lapses in concentration allowed Rakish Bingham time to score for the visitors, in the 57th and 83rd minutes.

And Lee Martin added a third for Ebbsfleet, in the dying minutes.

The visitors also hit the post and crossbar, while Braintree seldom troubled the visiting goalkeeper who had a very quiet night.

Braintree travel to play Chippenham Town on Saturday, hoping to get their first league points on the board.

The Iron also have an FA Cup third qualifying round tie against Pitching In Isthmian League North outfit Maldon and Tiptree to look forward to.

George Borg’s side host the Jammers next Tuesday night, with a fourth qualifying round spot at stake.

Braintree battled their way through to the third qualifying round following a penalty shoot-out win over Hashtag United, last weekend.

Maldon & Tiptree have progressed through three rounds of the FA Cup (1-0 at Hertford in the preliminary round, 3-0 at Haverhill in the first qualifying round and 5-4 on penalties at home to Grays in the second qualifying round after the game ended 2-2).

In the league they have won one (1-0 at Canvey Island) and drawn two (1-1 at Soham and 1-1 at home to Brentwood) of their first three league matches.