HAKAN Hayrettin felt some of his Braintree Town boys became men as they closed 2018 with a significant win at Maidenhead United.

The Iron manager was delighted to see his side get the result that he thought their performance deserved as Cameron James' 68th minute goal, combined with a first clean sheet since September 15, earned them a 1-0 victory.

And while they are still bottom of the Vanarama National League table after the win, Hayrettin felt it could be an important day for his side.

He told BBC Essex: “Since I’ve been at the club, the players’ work rate has been unbelievable.

“I have had a lot of criticism from people, but I’ve said from day one that these boys have given me everything.

“Silly mistakes have cost us, but we haven’t been terribly bad.

“We have been in games; to go to a place like Ebbsfleet (on Boxing Day) and scored two goals, you should be getting something from it (rather than losing).

“Our defending at times has been something we need to look at but at Maidenhead, I felt some of the boys became men.

“Now we have to see them mature."

The result at Maidenhead ended a run of eight Vanarama National League games without a win for Braintree and it was their first victory since Hayrettin had been made permanent Iron boss.

It was also a first clean sheet for the team since their 1-0 win at Gateshead on September 15 and Hayrettin is hoping for more shutouts and victories in January, starting with their home game against Ebbsfleet United on New Year's Day.

The Iron boss added: “These boys have got a massive chance.

“I’ve been telling them that they are playing in the National Conference.

“I know we’re a part-time team, but let’s give it go and they are giving it a go for me.

“They are.

“We’ve had performances, but we need points and hopefully they will come in the New Year now."

However, it emerged in the aftermath of the game at Maidenhead that it is likely to be the last in a Braintree shirt for captain Joe Ellul.

The Iron skipper revealed on his Twitter account that he was moving to New Zealand to play there and would be leaving the club in the New Year.