AFC Telford 3 Braintree 0 - Match analysis

The first 'proper' league table of the season will make pleasing reading for Telford fans following Saturday's impressive 3-0 drubbing of Braintree.

After two previous attempts to kick-start their second straight Blue Square Bet premier league campaign, third time proved lucky as the Bucks comfortably put their Essex-based opponents to the sword in their most convincing performance so far.

Goals from James Spray and Kieron St Aimie – their first competitive strikes since joining Andy Sinton's side in the summer – as well as Nathan Rooney's late penalty have moved the Bucks up into 11th place after three games.

• See more pictures from Telford's win over Braintree

And the result – Telford's biggest winning margin in the league since they were promoted – had never looked in doubt.

After such a disappointing first half in midweek against Forest Green, Sinton had emphasised the importance of getting out of the traps early this time around, and his players responded.

Dan Preston headed against the cross bar in the second minute from Steve Leslie's inviting corner, and the former Shrewsbury man was again involved when his free-kick was nodded just wide by new signing Jordan Rose early on.

Phil Trainer also saw a fierce drive deflected behind and Rooney had an effort saved by Iron keeper Danny Naisbitt inside the first 10 minutes.

Naisbitt then denied Spray on two occasions, saving superbly from close range, but his defence were unable to clear and St Aimie pulled the ball back across goal for Spray to open the scoring.

It was an ideal start and St Aimie gave his side an even greater cushion three minutes later with a predatory finish after Leslie had flicked on Luke Hubbins' right wing cross.

That both goals were created and scored by new summer signings may also bode well for their fortunes this season.

Sinton has worked tirelessly to add quality to his side and from the evidence on display so far he appears to have achieved that.

Leslie and Hubbins have added real creativity in midfield while Spray and St Aimie also looked threatening throughout.

The latter also created a handful of chances for others, including Rooney's early opportunity, with some impressive link-up play.

Their performances become all the more significant now that it has emerged that Chris Sharp will be out for up to six weeks with a groin injury.

There was also an impressive debut to admire from Rose, whose signing had been announced just 24 hours before kick-off.

With Chris Blackburn suffering a back injury and Michael Briscoe still on the comeback from a broken nose and a back strain, the former Stockport County centre-back was drafted straight into the starting line-up.

And he proved a more than adequate replacement, dominating both on the deck and in the air.

But it was arguably one of Sinton's previous signings, Rooney, who stole the show. The former Wolves man, who arrived at Telford last summer, was a constant irritant to Braintree's attack and did a lot of the 'ugly work' needed to break down the visitors momentum.

He also carried a threat going forward, both with his well-timed runs and accurate passing, and he deserved the goal he finally got with seven minutes remaining after Ryan Peters had handled in the area.

But there were several fine performances on display in a very impressive team display that becomes even more so given the last minute headaches which had threatened to disrupt preparations.

Blackburn's injury, as well as a bruised foot suffered by first choice striker Steve Jones, gave Sinton some selection issues in the 48 hours leading up to the game, but the team responded superbly.

It is very easy to over-state the importance of a win and this victory will mean very little if it is not built upon.

And with conference heavyweights Luton and Stockport their next two opponents there may well be tougher times ahead.

But if the Bucks are going to defy the odds this season then it is performances like this that will be the reason why.

Matt Viney