Braintree Town boss Danny Cowley is demanding that players have to all be leaders on the pitch.

The Iron manager was disappointed with the way his team performed under late pressure in their 2-1 Vanarama National League defeat by Aldershot Town on Monday.

He felt there was not enough “substance” shown by his players when the Shots got on top and dominated the latter stages and wants his team to show its fighting qualities more.

“I want it from everybody,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 35 – you have a responsibility.

“It’s a team game and you don’t just look after yourself; you have to look after each other.

“I just thought that we were too accepting against Aldershot and let the game run away from us.

“I wanted to see a bit more substance.”

Cowley added: “We need more substance when our backs are against the wall.

“I’ve been saying for a little while now that when things aren’t going well, I want to see a bit more personality from us and I want to see more leaders.

“This is going to be a tough journey.

“There are going to be many times when things are going to be against us and we need personalities who are going to be able to cope with that with determination and desire.

“We have a lot of good players in the dressing room and a lot of good personalities but it’s a case of bringing it out and expressing it on the pitch.”