Two teams battling against relegation from the National League are set to come together on Saturday afternoon when Braintree Town host Fylde at the Ironmongery Direct Stadium.
The hosts are 20th in the table with just 16 points from 17 matches, while the visitors, having secured 18 points from their first 17 outings, are positioned 18th.
Match preview
Since their relegation from the National League in 2018-19, Braintree Town suffered a period of difficulty in the National League South before eventually rising into the playoff places in recent years.
Braintree Town finished 21st in 2019-20, 19th in 2020-21, and 17th in 2021-22, before making a swift jump to seventh place in 2022-23, which secured them a playoff spot, however, they were eliminated by Worthing FC in the quarterfinals.
In 2023-24, Braintree Town climbed even higher, finishing fifth in the league and securing promotion in dramatic fashion by defeating Bath City, Chelmsford City, and Worthing in the playoffs, winning all three rounds in extra time.
Angelo Harrop's side have faced a tough return to the National League, currently positioned 20th with only 16 points from their first 17 games, having managed four wins, four draws, and nine losses.
They come into this one having triumphed in each of their last two matches, beating West Ham United's Under 21's in the England National League Cup and Eastleigh in the league, and they will be aiming to make it three consecutive wins for the first time this season here.
Fylde come into this game in a similar predicament to the hosts, languishing near the bottom of the table in 18th place with only 18 points from their first 17 matches.
Former manager Chris Beech was sacked just eight matches into the season after leading the side to only one win from their initial eight league fixtures, drawing two and losing five in that time, including all of his last four.
Chris Neal and Nathan Delfouneso initially took charge on an interim basis, leading the side to two wins, one draw and two defeats in their five matches before Fylde eventually hired Kevin Phillips as the new permanent manager.
Phillips has experienced a mixed start to life at the club, losing three of his first five games in charge, including his opening match 4-1 against Rochdale in the FA Cup, as well as heavy losses to Dagenham & Redbridge (4-0) and Altrincham (5-0) in the league.
They did record a superb 3-0 victory against fourth-placed Gateshead in their last outing, a result that should give Fylde plenty of confidence heading into this game as they aim to secure a victory and move further away from the drop zone.
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Team News
After triumphing in each of their last two matches, just the second time they have won consecutive games this season, Harrop could opt to name a similar side once again here.
Kyrell Lisbie, Braintree's top scorer in the National League with three goals, has not netted in the league since late August but scored against West Ham United Under 21s earlier this month and will look to regain his scoring form in the league here.
As for the visitors, they secured a superb 3-0 win against a Gateshead team much higher in the league table last time out, meaning Phillips may decide to name the same team here.
Nicolas Haughton has been Fylde's star performer so far this campaign, scoring 12 times in just 16 league appearances, and the midfielder will be aiming to continue his fine form with another goal in this one.
Braintree Town possible starting lineup:
Covolan; Annesley, Langston, Terry, Clampin; Blackwell, Vennings, Robinson; Cooper, Francis; Effiong
Fylde possible starting lineup:
Winterbottom; Hosannah, Whelan, Obi, Evans; Ustabasi, O'Kane, Mitchell, Haughton, Roberts; Jolley
We say: Braintree Town 1-3 Fylde
While Braintree will be boosted by their recent victory and the advantage of playing at home, Fylde's impressive win against higher-ranked Gateshead last time out is likely to give them the confidence to secure another win here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
