WHILE Dan Thompson was delighted to make a dream debut for Braintree Town, it was the team’s success rather than any individual glory that particularly pleased the Iron’s new signing.

The striker stepped into Braintree’s starting line-up just a day after joining from Tonbridge Angels, but made an instant impact as he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win against Poole Town.

It was a win that ended a six-game wait for a three-point haul and took them back up to sixth in the Vanarama National League South table ahead of a scheduled trip to Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday.

Thompson will be looking to make a further impact and he is looking forward to continue getting sharper as he works under the guidance of Iron boss Brad Quinton and his coaching team.

The 24-year-old former Portsmouth scholar, said: “The Gaffer said he wanted me to come in and said to just enjoy it and get myself back playing.

“You can’t ask for a better debut than what I had.

“We got the three points and I got the winning goal as well.

“I never dreamt of that, but the main thing was to get the win because the boys had been on a bit of a bad run where they hadn’t won a game for a while.

“That was the main concern for me really.

“I just wanted to make sure I helped the team and to see what I could do.

“Luckily I got the winning goal, which was very pleasing.

“I could have got another but I hadn’t played for a while so I was happy with what I did.

“I had been in and out a bit at Tonbridge as other strikers were doing well and scoring and it was tough to get a spot in the last while.

“But that’s in the past and I’m concentrating on Braintree now.

“When you play, the more confident you get as you get more match fit and sharper.

“So I just want to keep playing.

"I’m sure results will keep coming for us.

“The boys have done ever so well this season – they’re not where they are for no reason.

“Training has been at a good intensity.

“The Gaffer thinks we need it and they have been great sessions that I’ve been involved in since I’ve been here.

“I think you saw that on Saturday against Poole.

“The pitch didn’t help us, but the Gaffer said if you work hard then results will come and that proved to be the case.”

Quinton is looking forward to seeing Thompson develop as a player now he is at Braintree and, after the departure of Phil Roberts recently, feels his new addition gives them a different dimension in the attacking unit.

The Iron boss added: “I thought Dan did very well.

“I thought he looked tired at the end, but it’s hard to come into this team when I’ve really put them through it.

“It was a bit of an eye opener to how fast and quick it is and the fitness levels you need.

“He held his hand up at the end when he was tired but he offers something we haven’t got.

“He took his goal well and was in the right area to do that.

“He hadn’t dropped deep, but he was always on the centre-halves’ shoulders and I think he will do well.

“I was pleased to bring him in.

“It was massive for him to get that goal; he worked very hard and did what he had to do.

“It’s a different level and he’s working with new players so that’s tough.

“When everyone is looking for a result, you put a lot of weight on the shoulders of players coming in, but he did exactly what we were all looking for in that game.

“He scored and we won – that’s pleasing and I think he’ll do well for us.”