The manager's post-match thoughts following our 2-0 defeat at Braintree Town on Saturday afternoon.

"Today's performance was the worst of the season from us and probably Braintree’s best from what I’ve seen of them. I certainly didn’t see the performance coming, as the players have trained extremely well this week and everyone was really confident and focused going into the game. However, this is how football can shock you. Just when you think you're gathering momentum, that speed bump catches you unaware. 

"Our biggest problem was too many players playing below par. I really think we missed Tom Crawford’s experience and composure in the midfield and Jake Cooper's physicality and ability to win defensive duels at the back. 

"The lads didn’t look up to the level everyone expects from us. I barely saw the identity and way of playing that everyone associates with us and I couldn’t see the desire I witnessed during the win at Tamworth last weekend. When you put all that together it just feels like a really bad day at the office.

"You have to give the opposition credit for their dogged display, but a lot of that was down to our individual errors and a lack of confidence the players exhibited on the day to do the things they are recruited and trained to execute.

"If we can’t play well, we still have to find a way to get the result. It was a really low quality, poor game and we massively contributed to that. Braintree's keeper had nothing to do and Ethan only faced a couple of attempts on his goal. When the game is like that we have to just come away with a 0-0 draw.

"I look around the league and it’s littered with surprise results, inconsistent teams that were so good last season but who are struggling to get that run of games we all crave. It’s important we hurt but don’t feel too sorry for ourselves as we’re still only three points off the play-offs and the teams above us, at some point, will have their tough times as well. 

"Today's game is another stark reminder of how difficult this division is. The players are very aware that their levels must improve going into next week. The fans were unreal giving us amazing support when we’re feeling low. They would have every right to tear into us after that, that is a measure of them - they are fantastic.