Hakan Hayrettin had nothing but praise for his Maidstone players after their 1-1 draw at Braintree.

United, down to 10 men after Ross Marshall's dismissal, conceded an injury-time equaliser for the second time in a matter of weeks.

A point was still enough to move up to seventh - the final play-off place in National League South - following Saturday's 2-1 win over Billericay.

Head coach Hayrettin said: "I think our boys were tremendous all game.

"We've had two tough games and worked ever so hard. It just wasn't to be at the death.

"Obviously going down to 10 men doesn't help but we worked ever so hard.

"I'm pleased with the performance.

"Two tough games, we've picked up four points, we haven't lost, 10 more seconds and we'd have another two points but we did well.

• Report: Braintree 1-1 Maidstone

"It wasn't to be, we were under pressure against a team at home, with 10 men.

"Obviously when you go down to 10 men sometimes people react in a different way and do different things but I thought we were OK up until the goal. We defended well.

"From our point of view from the last two games we've done ever so well, we've got four points, we're still in the mix, we're still up there.

"It doesn't help that you go down to 10 men but the boys' effort and work rate was tremendous.

"We saw a lot of determination, a lot of hard work, a lot of good defending, we kept them at bay for long periods but it's a corner and they've scored.

"Hoytey's put his hand up, it's his man but he'll learn from that."

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