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The National League playoffs are among us again, and we will have a match preview for every game. Firstly, we have the National League South playoff quarter-finals as Braintree Town hosts Bath City at Cressing Road.
The Iron finished fifth in the league, eight points and one place above Tuesday's opponents Bath City. Angelo Harrop's side ended the season with a disappointing home loss to Eastbourne Borough, halting a run of five games undefeated. It was an untypical Braintree Town performance, conceding three goals. Still, Iron ended the season with the league's best defence, only conceding 42 goals.
Angelo Harrop is relatively new to the managerial game and, at the age of 35, is sure to have many suitors after his side's strong performances this season. In his first season, he led Braintree to a seventh-place finish, before losing to Worthing away in the playoff quarter-finals. Their strong campaign sees them play their quarter-final at home, but they would have to make the short journey away to Chelmsford in the semi-finals, provided they defeat Bath.
This home advantage could be key for Braintree as the Essex side boasted the third-best home record in the league, also conceding just 17 goals in 23 games.
Joe Grimwood was signed in the summer from Harrop's old team, AFC Sudbury. The Suffolk side are developing a reputation as a breeding ground for talented footballers, with Josh Stokes (Bristol City) also developing there. The 22-year-old is a commanding figure at the back, often showcasing his aerial dominance. Grimwood has also shown his ball-playing ability, developing into a fantastic all-round defender.
While Chelmsford, Worthing, Maidstone and Braintree had an intense battle for places 2nd-5th, Bath Town were involved in a four-way battle for the last two playoff spots. A final-day defeat against fellow playoff chasers Aveley FC halted a six-game unbeaten run for the Romans, but Jerry Gill's side had just enough points on the board to secure a top-seven finish.
The Romans are a relatively big club for this level, boasting a big following and a big ground, despite never playing in the Football League. The aim is to gain promotion to the EFL in the coming years, and the Bath hierarchy have full faith that Gill is the man for this as he looks to end his seventh year in charge with a promotion.
Bath came 6th in the league, one point clear of Farnborough in eighth. They were a consistent side and were there or thereabouts all season, so it is no surprise to see them finish in the playoffs. Despite having Cody Cooke (18 goals) and Scott Wilson (16) in their ranks, The Romans surprisingly have only scored 69 goals this season.
Due to their finishing position, Bath would have to play every playoff game away from home, unless they face Aveley in the final.
Cody Cooke finished fourth in the top scorer rankings by scoring 18 goals. This was his third consecutive season scoring double-digit goals. The 31-year-old is crucial to any outside hope Bath may have of gaining promotion.
The sides may have finished one place away from each other in the league, but Braintree finished eight points clear. Angelo Harrop's side excel at home, boasting 45 points and a goal difference of 23. Bath on the other hand picked up 33 points on their travels. In the two meetings this season, Braintree picked up four points, and they look a good price to pick up another win on Tuesday.
Prediction: Braintree Win @1.95
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