United will be looking to continue their recent winning run against Braintree on Bank Holiday Monday.
Having taken maximum points from their last three outings, Gary Johnson’s side will be hoping to chalk up win number four on Monday, however there will be a determined Irons side standing in their way.
Who’s the boss?
The son of Geoff Harrop, who was Torquay United’s General Manager in 2017-18, Braintree boss Angelo Harrop guided the Essex club to the National League South play-offs last season in his first term in charge. Following his youth career at Colchester United and spells with several other clubs, the former central midfielder was appointed head coach in 2012 for Norwich City’s newly created centre of excellence in conjunction with Brantham Athletic.
The 35-year-old, whose support team includes assistant coach Steve Pitt, previously managed Stanway Rovers, Brightlingsea Regent and, most recently, AFC Sudbury
Player to watch
Former Norwich City starlet Alfie Payne is in his second spell at Cressing Road, have previously represented The Iron for a brief period during the 2020/21 campaign. A midfielder who is also comfortable in defensive roles, Alfie initially made the switch to King’s Lynn Town following his departure from Carrow Road, prior to his first stint with Braintree. A return to King’s Lynn followed, before history repeated itself once again, with Payne heading back to Town, where he has remained a key part of the Braintree squad ever since.
How have they been doing?
United’s latest opponents are currently in 18th position with 5 points from 5 matches, with their most recent match ending in a goalless draw at home to Chippenham Town.
Played for both
A popular player for both clubs, winger Dan Sparkes began his career as a teammate of current Gulls favourite Danny Wright at Histon, before a productive spell at Braintree heralded a move to Plainmoor in August 2016. Six goals in 35 appearances – including a vital last-gasp winner at Solihull – played a large part in helping Kevin Nicholson’s side secure their National League status with little to spare.
A return to the capital wasn’t to be too far away though, initially to Dagenham & Redbridge, before arriving at The Hive twelve months later. His switch to Barnet lasted two years, before he then went on to join Maidenhead for 2020/21.
Previous encounter
United 3 – 1 Braintree
(Williams 2, Lee)
Knowing that defeat could spell the end for Kevin Nicholson’s side, the match couldn’t have begun in any worse fashion, as Manny Parry headed home from close range to give the away side an early lead.
Brett Williams, who had been signed the previous summer amid much expectation but had since struggled to hold down a first-team place, served further notice of his goalscoring pedigree in the 41st minute, firing in a low drive to drag his side back on level terms at the break.
Williams wasn’t done there, and seven minutes after the break, he struck again.
This time it was some hesitant defending inside the Braintree penalty area that created an opening, with the former Yeovil and Eastleigh hitman on hand to score from close range, in front of a jubilant Family Stand to make it 2-1.
AFC Bournemouth loanee Jordan Lee was sent forward from his usual right-back position to support his teammates in attack, and with time ticking down, the gamble paid off handsomely, with Lee producing a fine finish to make it 3-1 and seal three huge points for United.
Ticketing information for tomorrow’s match is available HERE, whilst full live commentary will be available via TUFC Radio HERE.