BRAINTREE Town boss Ryan Maxwell admits his side's lacklustre showing against Billericay Town in the FA Cup was their worst performance since he took charge, writes DAVID WARD.

The Iron's woeful FA Cup saga continued at the Dunmow Group Stadium when they conceded a goal four minutes from time to lose 2-1 and go out of the competition at the second qualifying round stage, leaving Maxwell an extremely disappointed and annoyed manager.

Iron fans in the 302 crowd will feel their side can have no complaints though at losing because the visitors showed more pace, commitment and energy throughout the whole 90 minutes and in truth, fully deserved to be in the next round.

Maxwell, who has been in charge at Braintree since last November, said: "It was the worst performance from the team since I have been manager here and we can have no excuses for that and we won't be seeing a repeat either.

"We lacked our DNA and there was no fighting for every ball and it was a totally lacklustre display.

"We were lucky to go ahead so early when Femi Akinwande scored from the penalty spot after being fouled.

"It gave us a false sense of security though and we never really took hold of the game from then onwards which we should have done.

"We must learn and learn quickly about game management which is what the opposition did mainly through their experience.

"Overall though I thought the game was always going to end in a draw after they equalised on 36 minutes because it always had that feel about it.

"But really for much of the game we weren't at the races if you like."

Braintree lacked any midfield creativity and kept sending long, hopeful balls up to the front two attackers for most of the game instead of getting it down playing the ball to feet and out wide which they were doing with considerable success earlier on this season.

It was again keeper Preston Edwards who pulled off three outstanding saves in the 45th, 54th and 84th minutes to keep Iron in the game while the visitors had two other clearcut goalscoring chances they wasted.

The Iron had few chances and the one or two they did create were either quickly dealt with by a stern visiting backline or went begging due to poor finishing.

Maxwell added: "Every player selected has to do his bit, work hard even when things are not going right like in this game and keep going and not giving up.

"We've seen what they are capable of but in this game they were lethargic and lack lustre and there's no excuse for that."