Lewis Walker at the double as Braintree beat Halifax

Lewis Walker hit an opening-day brace on Braintree debut as the Iron launched their National League campaign with a 3-0 win over Halifax.

It took Braintree just three minutes to get their first goal of the season when a fine cross from the left by Elliot Thorpe was headed home by Walker.

The home side doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute when a cross from the right was met by a weak header and it appeared to be routine for goalkeeper Sam Johnson but he dropped the ball under pressure from Frankie Terry and it rolled into the net.

Walker put the game to bed in the 69th minute when he tapped home from close range and Halifax’s miserable afternoon was complete when Mason Terry saved Will Harris’ stoppage-time penalty.