BRAINTREE Town boss Angelo Harrop was disappointed his side were unable to make their numerical advantage count following their goal-less draw at Hartlepool United.
The Iron made it four games unbeaten in the National League after claiming a point at Victoria Park against a Pools side who played more than half of the game with only ten men, following Luke Waterfall's first-half red card.
Pools skipper Waterfall was sent off for an elbow on George Langston but Braintree were unable to score a winner and had to be content with a point, in front of their 18 travelling fans.
Harrop told the Braintree Town website: "In hindsight, we should be delighted with a point away to Hartlepool, a tough place to come.
"But we're disappointed we didn't get three points, not in terms of the way we played but when a team goes down to ten men, you want a bit more pressure.
"I actually think it went the other way really and I didn't think we were at it today.
"I don't know if there's a big reason; obviously driving up at 6.30 this morning, I felt we looked tired and we looked leggy.
"That's definitely not an excuse but that's the level we're playing now - preparation, those fine details are critically important at this level.
"We've got to keep digging in and that's four games unbeaten and another clean sheet, which is another positive.
"For us this season, clean sheets are going to be absolutely key but the travelling fans that we had expected a little bit more when they went down to ten men."
Braintree went close on the hour when Inih Effiong's effort was saved by the Pools keeper.
But at the other end, Braintree goalkeeper Lucas Covolan did well to tip an effort wide.
Braintree's Langston saw his cross-shot rattle the woodwork late on, as the spoils were shared.
"We need to take responsibility," added boss Harrop.
"You've got to work hard and this league is about legs and energy and I always look back at our fans - they want to see a team that play with passion.
"If you're not going to do that, then you'd best be a hell of a footballer!
"We're always developing and it is a new group."
Braintree are back in National League action on Saturday when they host Woking, at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium.
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