BRAINTREE Town are still searching for their first win of the Vanarama National League season after Macclesfield Town cruised to a 3-1 victory at the Amlin Stadium.

The Iron drew their opening two games but were well beaten by the Silkmen.

Former Stockport County striker Danny Rowe broke the deadlock early on, driving into the bottom corner after being put through by Kingsley James.

Chris Holroyd then nipped in front of everyone at the near post to make it two after 31 minutes.

Braintree nearly shipped a third just before the hour-mark but managed to scramble Paul Lewis' headed effort off the line.

But they were powerless to prevent Macclesfield adding a third when Jack Simpson smashed into the roof of the net on 73 minutes.

The Iron's consolation came in the closing stages and was scored by Lee Barnard, who netted his first goal for the club in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Eastleigh.

The former Southend United man converted from the penalty spot.

There was late drama following red cards for Braintree keeper Jamie Butler and Macclesfield defender Mitch Hancox.

Butler was caught too far upfield and sent off after bringing down one of the visitors' players.

Hancox was sent for an early bath after receiving his second yellow card.

Meanwhile, manager Jamie Day has continued to bolster his first-team squad with the addition of Sam Corne, from Welling United.

The former Cambridge United midfielder, who will be 20 in November, was included in the England C squad last September and joins the club for an undisclosed fee. He was named among the substitutes on Saturday.

The Iron are back in action on Tuesday night when they cross the Kent border to visit Maidstone United.