Freddy Hall, the Bermuda goalkeeper, played his part in Chester’s first win of the Vanarama Premier season after defeating Braintree Town 3-1 at the weekend.

Hall, who signed terms with Chester after impressing at the club in pre-season, made a terrific one-handed save from a Chez Isaac effort early in the first half to keep his side on level terms.

Chester then survived another scare when Sean Marks struck the crossbar moments later. Braintree, the home side, took the lead when defender John Disney handled a set piece in the area with Kenny Davies dispatching the penalty kick.

After the break, Chester striker John Rooney, the younger brother of Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, hit the post before turning provider, with a clever pass to Sean McConville who kept his cool to level.

Chris Iwelumo, the former Scotland striker, put Chester ahead after being picked out by McConville’s cross.

McConville then grabbed his second moments later when he was teed up by Craig Mahon.

Steve Burr, the Chester manager, said: “I thought Braintree shaded the first half but second half we came out a lot quicker, a lot brighter and we scored some really good quality goals so I was very pleased to get up and running.

“I wasn’t too happy in just the way we started. I thought we were a bit sloppy and a bit slow to react to things so one or two things were said at half-time.

“But I said to them afterwards that it’s not my reaction at half-time, it’s them as players when they go over the line and they put in a really good performance in the second half.”

Burr, whose side lost their opening two games of the season, added: “Braintree is a difficult place to come and win but the pleasing thing is that we’re up and running now.

“We had a difficult game in the week obviously at Forest Green but I just thought in the second half we showed some more signs that we’ll be okay this season.”

Hall, who has won six caps for Bermuda, has gained some first-team experience over the last few seasons, playing 11 matches for Major League Soccer side Toronto FC in the 2012 season, as well as making three appearances for League Two side Northampton Town in the 2011-12 campaign.

n Nahki Wells’s Huddersfield Town are still searching for their first Sky Bet Championship win of the season after losing 3-1 at Cardiff City at the weekend.

Kenwyne Jones, the former Stoke City striker, paved the way for Cardiff’s victory with double salvo, with Peter Whittingham scoring his team’s other goal. Murray Wallace was on target for Huddersfield.