BRAINTREE TOWN manager Hakan Hayrettin felt his side were desperately unlucky to finish empty-handed in their 1-0 defeat at home to promotion-chasing Tranmere Rovers.

The Iron had won their last two matches and three of their previous four league and cup encounters, prior to Saturday.

However, Andy Cook’s volleyed winner in the 76th minute made it a happy journey home for the Merseysiders.

The damage might have been worse had it not been for a first-half penalty save from keeper Sam Beasant, diving to his right to deny Cook.

Braintree remain in the Vanarama National League relegation zone but Hayrettin was very positive about his side's performance, at the Ironmongery Direct Stadium.

"I thought we did enough to get something from the game," he said.

"I told my boys that I was immensely proud of their performance.

"They should take heart and pride because I thought they were absolutely outstanding.

"It boiled down to small margins.

"Tranmere scored a great goal but we had one disallowed and two good penalty shouts.

"Our players have also said that they didn't touch their player for the penalty.

"I was very happy with our performance, though, even though we lost.

"We were absolutely tremendous.

"Tranmere have a wealth of experience but we certainly didn't look out of place against them.

"We matched them all the way and it doesn't matter who we play - we go into every game wanting to win.

"They're all tough games at this level.

"99.9 per cent of the teams are full-time. We're not but does it show?

"I don't think so and I've been thoroughly pleased with my players' response since I came in."

The Iron threatened and had their moments.

Tranmere's Jay Harris had to be alert in the second half to clear a dangerous corner from under his bar.

George Elokobi then forced a last-ditch clearance from a header while at the other end, Andy Mangan thundered over from 12 yards.

The Iron return to National League action on Tuesday night when they welcome Bromley to the Ironmongery Direct Stadium.