BRAINTREE Town fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Rochdale in their latest National League clash, writes DAVID WARD.

How the Iron came away from Sandy Lane on Saturday without even a point is a mystery even for the biased 2,609 home fans in the crowd after they dominated for long periods and created many more goalscoring chances than their hosts.

The Iron had more than 70 per cent of the possession and some neat and tidy forward play led to five very good chances in each half, as Dale's rearguard led a precarious existence at times.

Sadly Braintree's current major dilemma of being unable to get the final ball across the line and into the net is their downfall.

Rochdale boss Jimmy McNulty admitted afterwards that the Iron are the best side they've played this season.

He said: "In reality we are lucky to have won the game because on the evidence of play, they were worthy of a draw."

That was of little consolation to his opposite number Angelo Harrop, who praised his side for a 'super, all round effort and excellent performance'.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

Harrop said: "I'm really proud of my team, we set out our tactics which were right and the players responded and we were desperately unlucky not to be returning home with all three points - it's so frustrating.

"They are a very good team but I felt we dominated the game for long periods and particularly in the second half when we were well on top.

"Their keeper pulled off two exceptional saves in each half and we should have had a penalty but in the past two games I am seeing signs of real progress with what is literally an entirely new set of players.

"We now have the passion, desire and commitment along with the pace and determination from every player to get us on the road to win games.

"We gave away another dreadful early and unnecessary goal and during the week's training sessions we will have a close look at that because we must stop conceding poor goals so early on in a game.

"But full credit to the players they again overcame this disappointment and came back well to battle hard and create so many goalscoring chances."

(Image: JON WEAVER)

The only goal of the game came on eight minutes.

George Langston was caught out by the speed of Rochdale's winger who raced to the byline and pulled back a low cross into the penalty box where the unmarked Kairo Mitchell slid the ball into the net.

It was a dreadful, basic error all round and something the manager must get sorted out quickly to avoid yet another repeat.

But full marks to Braintree's players who quickly responded and took the game to their hosts.

They should have scored on more than one occasion, with headers and shots narrowly missing the target with the Dale defence beaten.

Next up for the Iron is a home game against Altrincham on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Braintree midfielder Reggie Lamb has left the club and joined Needham Market.