BRAINTREE Town manager Hakan Hayrettin repeated his assertion that Sam Beasant is the best goalkeeper in the Vanarama National League after another match-changing performance at East Thurrock.

Just as he had in the league against Sutton United in the previous game, Beasant pulled off a superb save in the FA Trophy win against the Rocks that arguably tipped the match in the Iron’s favour.

The second round tie was locked at 0-0 in the first half when Reece Harris curled a shot through a group of players towards the bottom corner.

However, with a low sun directly into his eyes and seeing the ball late, Beasant pulled off a breath-taking stop to maintain parity.

The Iron went on to win 5-2, but that moment stopped the Rocks getting a lead and in the post-match analysis, could be said to have been as crucial a moment as any other on the day.

Hayrettin was keen to praise his keeper, but was also quick to say that the 28-year-old former Cambridge United and Woking stopper was only doing what was required of him. “It was a good save, but you get people in to do a job,” said the Iron boss.

“When they know their job and they do their job, then that’s all you can ask.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: I think we have the best goalkeeper in our league.

“I think he’s done ever so well, but he’s done his job.

“That’s what he’s there to do just as Michael Cheek was there to score. So they are all doing their job and doing their part.”

Michael Cheek was another who did his job, with his hat-trick of goals underpinning the 5-2 win and Hayrettin agreed that his first goal came at a timely point in the tie.

He added: “We were just getting on top at that point and getting a few corners so it was a good time to score.

“Some of our play was exceptional but it was only in fits and starts.

“I don’t think we played particularly well for the first 20 to 25 minutes, but we knew it was going to be tough.

“The pitch was a leveller and we couldn’t play at the usual tempo that we play at and the manager at East Thurrock (John Coventry) and his staff have done an unbelievable job.

“They are a great set of lads and the fight all the way, but for the first 20 minutes, we were sloppy.

“We allowed them to dictate the pace to us.

“The pitch was a leveller and we knew it was going to be tough but we played in fits and starts and we showed our quality with some good goals.

“When we pressed, we pressed well and we got our rewards in the end.

“In the end we were the better team but it’s always hard when you go to East Thurrock.

“My team won, though, so I was thoroughly pleased that we were in the draw on Monday.”