A FRUSTRATED Billy Paynter admits it feels like they are letting boss Maurice Malpas down after Town's luckless League One run continued at a wet Prenton Park last night.

The Robins dominated their play-off chasing hosts for long spells but two first-half Tranmere goals were enough to consign Town to their fourth defeat in five games.

Paynter grabbed a second-half consolation in a spirited team display but the striker knows it is all about results as the 2-1 reverse leaves the threat of relegation lurking.

A run of just one win in 10 games has left Malpas answering growing critics, but Paynter insists the Scot does not deserve the abuse he has been getting.

He said: "We are doing things right and we are a team. Everyone is in this together, it is not individuals. We are in this together.

"We do need to win for the gaffer because this run of results is not fair on him.

"He has come in and brought some good ideas in. He wants us to play football but we just need that bit of luck all over the pitch.

"I don't think he can take the blame when we have been playing well but not winning.

"Even their second goal, did it cross the line? You need some luck. It is hard to take but we keep saying that. We have played well and got beat again."

Town are still a comfortable nine points away from the drop zone but, all eyes will be on today's games, as the threat remains very much there.

Paynter though has urged everyone to banish any relegation fears - insisting it is up to them to make sure they do not materialise.

He said: "I don't think we should look behind us and worry about what is going on.

"We need to concentrate on ourselves and if we start winning games then relegation will not be a concern.

"We have to get things right to get out of this problem.

"If we get an early goal and get that belief I think that is what we need. Hopefully that is sooner."