MATT Baxter was delighted to repay some of the faith that has been shown in him by coaches and managers at Braintree Town with an impressive strike that rounded off the Iron's FA Trophy victory against Cray Wanderers.

Baxter is flying the flag for Braintree's youth production line at the moment as he continues to establish himself in the senior first team after progressing through the Braintree Town Academy and reserve side and it is a role he is relishing.

First team manager Brad Quinton rates the young striker highly and was pleased to see him score a debut goal in the 3-0 win against Cray Wanderers less than three minutes after Baxter had stepped off the substitutes' bench.

It is showing young players within the club that progression to senior level is possible and Baxter is happy to be showing that the faith of his coaches has not been misplaced.

He said: "I feel confident in training now as I've settled in with all the boys as part of the team.

"There are some talented boys in the reserves and me getting into the first team and getting minutes on the pitch as part of that is massive for them as well.

"They can look at what's happened to me and see that there is the stepping stone there.

"They can see that I'm doing it and think 'I can do that as well'.

"It's also important for the (Braintree Town) Academy as that's where I started and I owe a lot of thanks to (Academy manager) Mark Sansom as well because he put faith in me as well.

"I was here when Danny Cowley and Nicky Cowley were at the club but I didn't get much of a chance under them.

"But I kept at it and the Gaffer has shown a lot of faith in me now and I have to thank him for that.

"I really feel that a goal like I got in the Trophy game helps repay that faith.

"The result was quality and me getting the goal just added to that for me."

Following their FA Trophy third qualifying round win, that set up a first round proper tie against Brackley Town on December 16, Braintree are set to return to Vanarama National League South action on Saturday as they head to Wealdstone.

The Iron head into the game sat second in the table, but level on points with leaders Dartford.

Baxter could be included in the squad that will travel and boss Quinton feels the young striker's success is testament to the hard work he has put in.

"Matt is the only one still here from last season," he said.

"Others didn't want to give it a go and fight for their shirt, but Matt stayed.

"He trains well and stays out working with me to train on free-kicks and we talk about the game.

"I've said right from the start that he has a bright future, but he has to be patient when we are doing well as we are where we are in the league.

"He wants to be a part of the squad, though.

"He could have left and gone out on loan but he wants to be a part of what we are doing.

"So when the lad comes on and scores a goal like that when he's one-on-one, you have to be pleased for him.

"He deserves it as he has worked hard."