The Peacocks face another massive game in the Vanarama National League South when they travel to Braintree Town tomorrow (9th April), ko 7.45pm.

Although Saturday’s very creditable draw at Hampton & Richmond halted a run of six defeats in a row, Town remained static in 22nd place after their closest rivals at the bottom, namely Dartford and Eastbourne Borough, both picked up victories. A win in Essex for the Peacocks tomorrow though with one of their games in hand would lift them out of the relegation zone ahead of Thursday’s home match with Slough Town.

Braintree guaranteed themselves a place in the play-offs on Saturday with a 1-0 victory at Weston-super-Mare, their third successive win which further embellished their excellent league record in 2024. Since losing at Chelmsford City on New Year’s Day, the Iron have won 13 of their 18 fixtures, with only one more loss coming in that run against leaders Yeovil Town just over two weeks ago whilst seven consecutive wins from the end of January to the end of February have proved the bedrock for their current third place. Home form is especially solid with 13 wins from 21 games played, leaving the Peacocks facing a formidable challenge against a side which will have a big say in how the bottom four finish come Saturday week with their final two games being against Havant & Waterlooville and Eastbourne Borough.

Jay Murray is added to an otherwise unchanged squad, with Head of Football Rob Dray commenting:” Another long journey and a big ask but in the last five games we probably haven’t got what the performances deserved. Saturday was good and we need to build on that to give ourselves the best chance of winning this battle we find ourselves in.”

Traveller Info

Ground: The Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium, Clockhouse Way, Braintree, Essex CM7 3DE

Ground to Ground: 224.0 miles (via M5/M4/M25)

Directions: leave the M25 at Jnct 27 and head north on the M11. Leave the M11 at Jnct 8 and head east on the A120 for around 16 miles until you reach Galley’s Corner roundabout (signposted Harwich Colchester A120, Sudbury A131) with McDonalds on the right. Keep on Cressing Road for approx. 0.75 miles before turning left into Clockhouse Way. Ground is on left along Clockhouse Way.

Admission: Adults £15, Concessions £10 (Senior Citizens, Students), Under 18’s £5

Match Commentary: there will be no Peacocks Radio service for this game.

Last meeting: the Peacocks came out on top on the opening day of the season at Wordsworth Drive. Braintree went ahead after just five minutes through Nnamdi Nwachuku before Town hit back to secure the points via goals from Nick Grimes and Ross Stearn. Relive the match highlights HERE