The final friendly of the summer is a repeat of the 2023/24 National League South play-off final, where Braintree prevailed in a seven-goal thriller in West Sussex.

Chris Agutter and his players will be looking to finish pre-season in style this weekend as they attempt to carry the momentum of victory into next Saturday’s National League South opener at home to Bath City.

During midweek, the Rebels eased past Agi’s former side Hastings United with an accomplished 2-0 triumph on the road.

A third goal of pre-season for Bailey Smith sealed the win just four minutes after Sam Packham had broken the deadlock at The Pilot Field.

Aside from the result, there was other  positives to take from the evening, as goalkeeper Seb Stacey kept another clean sheet and fellow summer signing Anointed Chukwu made his first appearance as a Rebel.

The Opposition

After earning promotion into the fifth tier in 2024, the Iron managed to steer clear of an immediate return to the National League South last season.

In their first campaign at the highest level of Non-League football since 2019, Steve Pitt’s side finished in 17th position, four points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Braintree were also in action during the week, as they held League Two outfit Colchester United to a 1-1 draw.

Their season also commences next weekend, with FC Halifax Town visiting Cressing Road.

Previous Meeting

Worthing 3-4 Braintree Town, National League South Play-Off Final, 6th May 2024

It was a play-off heartbreak in the last encounter, as Braintree earned promotion into the fifth tier at the Rebels’ expense.

The Iron struck first at Woodside Road, as Dominic Odusanya nodded in from a corner midway through the first period.

Aarran Racine’s side restored parity 10 minutes before the interval and it came through an inevitable source. Kane Wills lofted a searching pass towards the run of Ollie Pearce, who effortlessly plucked the ball from out of the sky and delicately poked a finish into the bottom corner.

Worthing then took the lead after the restart through Jack Spong. After getting his side level, goal scorer Pearace turned provider as the striker teed up Spong to sweep home.

Aaron Blair then equalised for the visitors with a lofted finish, before Braintree’s Charlie Wakefield picked out the top corner with an unstoppable strike minutes later.

However, the goals continued to fly in at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium. This time it was Danny Cashman’s turn to find the net, as he stroked the ball past goalkeeper Jack Sims – with Pearce recording another assist.

The play-off final needed an additional 30 minutes to determine a winner and Braintree managed to earn promotion as Reggie Lambe netted the winner in the 108th minute.

Tickets

Tickets are available to purchase via our online ticket provider, Fanbase. Tickets will be available to buy on the gate via cash or card payment, however supporters are advised to purchase tickets in advance.

The game will not be segregated.

• Adult – £9.00
• Concession & U18s – £5.00
• Under 6 –  FREE

How to Follow

If you can’t be at the game tomorrow, you can follow the game via live updates from the Club’s official Twitter account.

Live commentary will also be provided on the Club’s official Mixlr account.