BRAINTREE Town manager Glen Driver felt there were "lots of positives" in his side's opening-day defeat at Bath City.

The Iron, relegated last season, had been hoping to make a winning start to their National League South campaign.

However, it was not to be after conceding twice in the second half and losing 2-0.

Bath's opener came two minutes after the restart, with Tom Smith curling a half-volleyed effort into the top corner past goalkeeper Michael Johnson.

Then, just three minutes later, Ross Stearn smashed home a stunning first-time effort into net from 30 yards.

Braintree were unable to stage a fightback but Driver, taking charge for his first competitive match and handing debuts to ten new players, said afterwards: "There were lots of positives.

"We had our chances in the first half and played at a high tempo.

"Unfortunately, we weren't able to reach those same heights in the second half but the lads have been great and we go again on Tuesday."

Braintree's midweek fixture is a mouth-watering home clash against Essex neighbours Billericay Town.

They then have another home game next weekend, against Wealdstone.