While he was disappointed by the final scoreline as his team were beaten 5-1 by Vanarama National League leaders Leyton Orient, Braintree Town manager Brad Quinton was pragmatic in defeat.

In front of a crowd of almost 2,600, the O’s were ruthless in punishing the Iron’s mistakes and showed just why they have started the season with a 13-game unbeaten run.

It is a club record for their best-ever start to a campaign and Quinton was mindful of that in making his assessment of the result.

“You probably have to be realistic about what you’re doing, but I wasn’t ashamed of my boys,” said the Iron boss.

“We gave them a good game.

“It’s Leyton Orient who we were up against.

“We have to stay positive and keep the boys’ heads up because we created chances and if you’re doing that against Leyton Orient for good spells, then they will understand what they can do against other teams.

“I don’t think a 5-1 scoreline did our performance justice.

“I know we got beaten but if we cut out the individual mistakes then we’re still in it.

“I was pleased that our lads dug in and never gave in.

“We kept getting crosses in and the keeper had to make some good saves, but they’re Leyton Orient.

“They do the basics right.

“They get the ball in, crowd the goalkeeper and make it hard for you.

“When they get the ball in the area, they don’t head for goal, they head it into danger areas where they are working day-in day-out and that’s the sign of a good team.

“They are full-time and they’re in every day doing these things.

“Fair play to Justin (Edinburgh) because he’s got them going and is doing a marvellous job for them but it’s pleasing for my lads that we gave them a good game to a point and then the floodgates opened.

“We’ll lick our wounds, though, and we’ll go again.”