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After Braintree edged through Bath in the Playoff quarter-final, they make the short trip to face Chelmsford on Saturday. If Braintree win, they will have to travel to Maidstone or Worthing. If Braintree win, they're guaranteed a home final.
Chelmsford enjoyed a stellar season, finishing second in the league, edging out Worthing on goal difference. Robbie Simpson's side ended the season losing just once in their last seven games.
The Clarets, like their opponents, boasted an impressive defensive record, conceding just nineteen times in 23 home games and 43 all season - the second-fewest in the league.
The two meetings this season saw Chelmsford record back-to-back 3-0 victories over Braintree.
Charlie Ruff signed in the summer from Havant & Waterlooville and has shone for the Clarets. The 24-year-old has 19 goals this season, ranking him third in the top-scoring charts. If Chelmsford do fail to secure promotion, Ruff won't be short of suitors.
The Iron finished fifth in the league, three points and three places behind Saturday's hosts. 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. Braintree were strong at home, boasting the best defensive record and the third most points. They extended this impressive home record, edging last Bath 1-0 after extra time in the quarter-final.
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.
Chelmsford scored 76 goals and conceded 43, with their games averaging 2.58 goals. This average lowered to 2.26 when playing at Melbourne Stadium. A league-high 15/23 of their home games have seen under 2.5 goals.
Braintree games are also low-scoring. With 64 goals and 42 conceded, Iron games averaged just 2.30 goals. This total is even lower when away, with the average reducing to 2.13. 14 of their 23 away games have seen under 2.5 goals.
In addition to this, three of the four playoff games so far were goalless draws.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.95
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