DAN Thompson says Braintree Town's young group of players are trying to stay positive despite their tough start to the Vanarama National League season.

A 2-0 defeat by Maidenhead United on Monday left the Iron still searching for their first win of the campaign and sat second-from-bottom in the table.

Thompson said collective mistakes are hurting them at the moment and the Braintree striker said lesson need to be learned quickly as they try to keep a positive mindset to get themselves clear of the foot of the standings.

He said: “It was another bad result (against Maidenhead) and one we were all disappointed with.

“We have had a tough start to the season and haven’t picked up many points, but the Gaffer has said we need to go out and express ourselves.

“I think it is little lapses of concentration and little mistakes from us as collective unit that have been costing us the odd goal or two and it’s just an uphill battle from there really.

“I think we are getting better going forward and the boys are starting to find their feet but it is just lapses collectively that are hurting us.

“We need to learn from those mistakes and we have to learn quickly because this league is difficult and there are big teams in it.

“We have held our own, but it’s just not going for us at the moment.

“I believe that we’ll be alright but we have to stick together and keep plugging away.

“Once we get that first win then confidence will grow.

“We have a young group of boys and there aren’t that many senior players, but we are trying to stay positive.

“It’s a difficult league, though, and confidence isn’t as high as it could be but it’s down to the boys who were here from last year and those who have been at this level before to keep pushing the young players and keep us going.

“From the Conference South to this level, I don’t think it’s a huge step.

“Fitness is a big thing, though, and the major concern coming into this league and that’s massive for us.

“It’s just the sharpness as we’re playing against a lot of full-time teams and you can tell that they’re playing a lot more football.

“They tend to be sharp and strong and maybe a bit fitter so that’s where we have to make sure we’re doing the work we need to outside training.

“The Gaffer has said that."