BRAINTREE Town goalkeeper Ben McNamara is confident the Iron will reach Vanarama National League safety if they can replicate the fight they showed in the second half of their trip to Tranmere Rovers.

Despite the end result going against the Iron, as third-placed Tranmere won 1-0, they battled hard in the second half at Prenton Park and felt aggrieved not to come away with at least a draw.

It was a marked improvement to the dismal display against Woking in the game before and McNamara, who has come into the side in the last four games following injury problems for Sam Beasant, feels it is the sort of spirit that they must show as the relegation fight continues at fellow strugglers York City tomorrow.

The former Concord Rangers keeper said: “We rode our luck a little bit in the first half at Tranmere and they were on top of us to be fair as they put a lot of balls into the box.

“But when we came out for the second half, we felt we were in the game and it was unfortunate that we conceded when we did.

“However, the lads showed tremendous character and if we maintain that sort of fight, then we’ll be fine and get the points we need to stay up.”

The Australian was heavily involved in one key part of the game as he first of all conceded a 69th minute penalty, before making a superb double save to keep it at 1-0 and Braintree in the game.

“The penalty was a bit of a wake up call for us and we came to life a bit more after that,” added McNamara.

“We created a bit more in the final third and we had a few chances at the end, but it wasn’t to be.

“The main thing, though, is that the fight was there.

“I think that’s the key ingredient really and if we continue that fight then we’ll be more than fine.

“Full credit to the fans that travelled as well.

“I could hear them and the other boys could as well so we appreciate that support.”