- Rodari (2')
- Own Goal (57')
- Reynolds (9')
The fixture comes after Worthing secured a fourth-placed finish in their first season in the division, hosting Hemel Hempstead Town at Woodside Road:
Mo Dabre put the Reds 1-0 on the half-hour mark, before Ollie Pearce double the advantage four minutes later, converting a penalty won by Reece Meekums.
In the 43rd minute, Kane Wills met a Liam Vincent cross with a volley to put Worthing 3-0 up and in full control heading into the interval.
Reece Grant headed home for the Tudors on the stroke of half time to give the away side a lifeline going into the second half.
The next 45 minutes saw chances hard to come by for either side, with the score remaining 3-1 confirming the Reds’ home advantage tomorrow evening.
Meanwhile, a 1-1 draw away to Slough Town saw Braintree finish up occupying the final playoff spot in seventh.
Form
Braintree – Last six matches:
29/04/23 – Slough Town (A) – Drew 1-1
22/04/23 – Taunton Town (H) – Won 2-0
15/04/23 – Worthing (A) – Lost 1-2
10/04/23 – Ebbsfleet United – Won 3-2
07/04/23 – St Albans City – Lost 0-2
01/04/23 – Dover Athletic – Lost 1-3
Recent meetings
The two sides last met just over a fortnight ago, in the league fixture at Woodside Road. Zak Bradshaw put the visitors in front in the 14th minute, but Josh Chambers equalised for Worthing nine minutes before half time to take the sides into the break level.
With 20 minutes of the game remaining, Reece Meekums pounced on a defensive error and fired the Reds into a 2-1 lead, turning the game on its head.
Braintree had a golden opportunity to share the spoils in injury time when ran through one-on-one, but Harrison Male was on hand to produce a sublime save to ensure Worthing of all three points.
The two sides also last met in the reverse fixture in Essex back in mid-October last year:
Pearce put Worthing a goal up in the 11th minute, but Matt Rush equalised for Braintree seven later.
The game looked to be ending in a stalemate until three minutes from time, when the home side were awarded a penalty for a handball.
Alfie Matthews stepped up from 12 yards and converted to turn the game on its head, with Aarran Racine seeing red late on after an altercation with Rush.
Team News
The Rebels’ top scorer Ollie Pearce made his return to the starting XI on Saturday after a calf injury and will be available for tonight’s play-off clash. Lewis White remains sidelined with a long term hamstring injury.
Supporter information
Only a limited number of tickets will be available on the gate, distributed on a first come, first served basis, therefore it is advised to purchase tickets online in advance. Please note season tickets are not valid for this fixture.
Turnstiles open at 5pm, home supporters should use the main turnstiles, while travelling fans should enter via the North East turnstile. Stewards will be on had to advise where to enter if not sure. Once in the ground there will be no segregation.
Supporters are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues. The Stand Bar, Kitchen and Kiosk open at 5pm. with the Fanzone open from 6pm.
How to Follow
If you can’t make the game you can follow the game via the club’s official Twitter account, or through live commentary provided by rebelyell.live.
