Braintree Town's second season in the Blue Square South began with a feeling of genuine optimism.

And it ended on an upbeat note too, despite their failure to make it through the play-offs for the second successive year.

Much happened in between the Iron's opening day draw at Havant and Waterlooville and their semi-final defeat at Eastbourne Borough last weekend.

The Iron flirted with promotion and relegation, changed their manager and announced ambitious plans to move to a new 6,000 capacity season in the space of an eventful nine months.

So to say the campaign has been an eventful one for all at Cressing Road would be something of an understatement!

After missing out on promotion by a single goal in the previous campaign, Braintree were many people's favourites for promotion.

But they got off to a disastrous start, becoming entrenched in the lower reaches of the table and losing to Hampton and Richmond in the early stages of the FA Cup.

It prompted chairman Lee Harding and his fellow committee members to take action, relieving manager George Borg of his duties after just two wins in 11 matches.

Reserve-team boss Tom Marshall and captain and player-coach Bradley Quinton took control of the side on a temporary basis.

And under their guiding influence, Braintree began to climb the table.

Lee Patterson was prised away from Ryman League outift East Thurrock United after eight years.

And he hit the ground running, winning his opening four games in Blue Square South.

He began reshaping the squad he inherited, drafting in the likes of Tony Boot, Lee Burns and Garry Cross and allowing players such as Eugene Ofori and Liam Bailey to move out on loan.

What followed was a consistent run in the league, coupled with an exciting run in the FA Trophy.

The Iron saw off Gosport Borough, Gloucester City and Workington before their hopes were ended by Blue Square Premier champions with a 3-0 defeat at the Recreation Ground.

Nevertheless, their exit from the Trophy at least allowed them to focus all of their efforts on their promotion push.

And despite a crippling injury list, a late points surge saw Patterson's side take their place in the play-offs.

Unfortunately the number of players missing through injury and suspension took its toll, as a depleted Braintree were beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Eastbourne Borough.

However, they can nevertheless now look forward to Patterson's first full season in charge with plenty of hope.