Braintree Town and Barnet face off at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium this Saturday, their National League campaigns having taken vastly different trajectories. While Barnet have already secured a play-off semi-final berth, Braintree Town are battling to solidify their league position and avoid a late-season slump.
Braintree will be looking to bounce back from a recent defeat, although their attack has shown some promise, having scored in their last three matches. Their record of 13 wins, 9 draws, and 18 losses from 40 games highlights their inconsistency, leaving them 17th in the table with 48 points and a -8 goal difference.
Barnet, on the other hand, arrive in exceptional form, boasting a remarkable 25-game unbeaten run. Their attacking prowess has been evident, with the Bees finding the net in each of their last nine outings. This dominance is reflected in their league-leading 91 points, accumulated through 28 wins, 7 draws, and just 5 losses. Their impressive +51 goal difference further emphasises their strength at both ends of the pitch.
Earlier this season, Barnet comfortably dispatched Braintree 3-1 at home. Mark Shelton and Callum Stead scored for the Bees, while an own goal from George Langston added to Braintree’s woes. John Akinde netted a consolation goal for the Iron. Recent history also favours Barnet, who have won the only meeting between the two sides in the last three seasons.
A win for Braintree would be a significant boost and a positive end to their campaign. Defeat, however, could see them dragged closer to the relegation zone. Barnet, with their play-off place secured, will be keen to maintain momentum and fine-tune their preparations for the challenges ahead. While the result may not drastically impact their league standing, a strong performance would undoubtedly bolster their confidence. This match presents a fascinating contrast in form and objectives, promising an intriguing encounter.