BRAINTREE TOWN bowed out of the FA Cup – despite staging a spirited comeback at Vanarama National League rivals Barnet.

The Iron came from two-down before slipping to a 4-2 defeat, in the fourth-qualifying round tie at The Hive.

It was a blow for caretaker-boss Hakan Hayrettin, who was hoping his bottom-of-the-table side would be able to build on last week’s impressive draw at leaders Salford City.

Instead, they got off the worst possible start after conceding inside six minutes.

David Tutonda snapped up a chance at the far post to put the Bees ahead.

Jack Taylor doubled the hosts’ lead just after the quarter-hour mark but Braintree threw themselves a lifeline just before the break, thanks to Reece Morgan.

The striker capitalised after efforts from Joe Ellul and Dan Thompson were blocked by the Barnet defence.

Braintree equalised midway through the second half thanks to a stunning strike from Lyle Della-Verde, volleying home in style after a right-wing cross from Jon Muleba.

But sadly it wasn’t to be for Hayrettin’s men as the Bees edged back in front through Elliott Johnson.

Cheye Alexander then made it safe six minutes from time and Barnet will now wait with great anticipation ahead of Monday’s first-round draw, when they will be joined by League One and Two sides.

In contrast, the Iron must switch their attention back to the National League, with their next fixture being at home to Dover Athletic on Saturday.

It promises to be a crucial clash, with the Kent side just one place and one point better off than their Essex rivals.