Torquay United 'rubbish' in Braintree loss - Chris Hargreaves

Chris Hargreaves has not seen his side get back-to-back wins in the league since September

Torquay United manager Chris Hargreaves has branded his side "rubbish" after their 2-0 loss at Braintree Town.

The Gulls had just one shot at goal all game, and that failed to test home goalkeeper Nick Hamann, as they slipped to eighth in the Conference table, three points off the play-off places.

"I'm speechless. Apologies to the fans who turned up, they have every right to say it was rubbish, because it was," Hargreaves told BBC Radio Devon.

"It was a very bad day at the office."

The Gulls were without suspended central defender Aaron Downes, injured captain Luke Young and full-back Durrell Berry, but went into the game having lost just one of their last five matches, scoring 13 goals in the process.

"We were missing a couple of important players, but those in the squad should relish the chance to prove themselves," said Hargreaves.

"A lot of people here are fighting for their futures, 10 contracts are up in the summer, and I wanted a reaction from the players. Unfortunately it didn't happen.

"But we will recover, the players will react.

"On the whole this season, 99% of the time, they've been at it for me.

"I believe in the group, I believe there's a good 11 there, but today they've fallen below the standards that the fans expect and that I expect at this football club."