BRAINTREE Town manager Brad Quinton was delighted to see Reece Grant get off the mark with his first goals for the Iron as the young striker netted twice in their 4-0 Vanarama National League South win against East Thurrock United.

It was the former Heybridge Swifts forward’s fourth start for the Iron and his brace was a just reward for an impressive display.

Quinton has been pleased to see the partnership he is building with fellow striker Phil Roberts, but feels his contribution to the way the team plays as a whole is important.

The Iron boss said: “I was really pleased with Reece and it was great to see him get off the mark finally.

“He’s a centre forward and is working his socks off.

“He holds up play, he is confident, he has a great left foot on him and a good right one at times.

“He compliments Phil (Roberts) and I was really pleased with him.

“There’s more to come from him and he’s a team player.

“He’s not one of those centre forwards who just wants to see the net ripple and think ‘I’ve scored’, he is a very disciplined player who is in it for the team as well as scoring himself.

“I also thought Marcel (Barrington) was very good against East Thurrock and he’s another who has come on and done well of late.”

Quinton was also impressed with another of his young players who found the back of the net.

Midfielder Luke Allen made a first start in more than two months after recovering from an ankle injury and his manager values having him back in the side.

Quinton added: “We had to take Luke off as he was feeling a bit of cramp on the heavy pitch after not having game time, but it was great to have him back.

“He is a great player and we’ve missed him if I’m honest with you.

“Luke did really well on his first start back.”