Simon Grayson "really pleased" as Pools pick up first three points of new season against Braintree
Hartlepool United manager Simon Grayson was delighted after his side secured their first three points of the new National League season thanks to a 2-0 win over 10-man Braintree Town on Saturday.
Following more off-field controversy, Pools ran out comfortable winners against an Iron side who had skipper George Langston sent off 10 minutes into the second half after conceding a penalty. Pools, who controlled the game for the most part, went ahead in the 33rd minute when Braintree's Aidan Francis-Clarke turned the ball into his own net before Alex Reid opened his account from the spot after 55 minutes. The visitors had a chance to get back into the game 20 minutes from time after Tom Parkes dragged down John Akinde in the area but the frontman's penalty was well-saved by Harvey Cartwright, who preserved a second clean sheet in two matches.
"It was really pleasing," Grayson told the official club website.
"To win the game, to keep a clean sheet, we send everybody home happy and in a really positive frame of mind. We started the game really well, we wanted the players to play with a tempo in possession and out of possession.
"We had to withstand pressure at times, Braintree asked questions of us. You can be a little bit critical at times of certain things, but that's because I've got high standards. Overall, I'm really pleased; it sends a good message to the supporters and we're in a positive place."