Alan Devonshire says he won’t give up his attacking philosophies despite Braintree Town’s record of conceding costly goals at vital times in Blue Square Bet Premier games this season.

The Iron head to AFC Telford United on Saturday on the back of a 3-3 draw at Lincoln on Tuesday when the Imps pulled level with a stoppage-time goal.

Added to late strikes that Braintree have also conceded against Bath, Stockport, Ebbsfleet and Darlington and the total of points dropped has now begun to rack up.

But while manager Devonshire appreciates his team need to work on their defensive frailties, he won’t surrender their attacking intent.

He said: “Our team is better attacking than defending – that is a fact and it’s something we want to address.

“We have to get it right, but I would rather be an attacking team than a defensive one.

“It’s something we will have to sort out and I probably won’t get the chance until the summer.

“We know where we have to strengthen, but we are all learning at this level.

“That includes me and (assistant manager) Keith (Rowland) as well as the players and every game throws up things that we can learn from.

“We won’t be changing the way we play, though.

“We know we’re not the best at defending and it is a weakness that we must deal with, but I’d rather be an attacking team.”

However, attacking options may be light on the ground for Devonshire in Shropshire tomorrow as he has Ben Wright and Watford loanee Britt Assombalonga both suspended and only Sean Marks left as a recognised striker in his squad.

Devonshire added: “We’ll be short now, but we will deal with it.

“It’s only one game and then both Ben and Britt will be back from their suspensions.

“Jamie Guy isn’t ready yet, though, as his ankle is still a bit sore from where he turned it over.

“I’m actually thinking of trying to get a reserve team game arranged for next week to get him some time on the pitch as his fitness levels still aren’t where they need to be.”

Matt Paine picked up a bit of a calf strain during the game at Lincoln and his fitness will be assessed ahead of the game.

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