BRAINTREE TOWN suffered a narrow defeat on the road, losing 1-0 at Chester.

The only goal of the Vanarama National League contest came in the 16th minute and was scored by Sam Hughes.

Braintree started the day fourth from bottom and hoping to climb out of the relegation zone, against a side that began four places and just two points above.

However, it was not to be and Jamie Day’s men were unable to build on Tuesday’s 2-1 victory at newly-promoted Sutton United.

The Iron made a new signing of the eve of the match, bringing in Barnsley centre-back Jack Cowgill on a one-month youth loan.

The 19-year-old has made two first-team appearances for the Championship side, his most recent coming in April 2015.

Cowgill featured for Barnsley in pre-season, scoring for the senior team in a friendly at Stalybridge.