FC Halifax Town: Braintree preview

FC Halifax Town v Grimsby. Jordan Burrow could return to the starting line up at Braintree after starting on the bench against Grimsby on Saturday

The Shaymen beat Grimsby 4-2 on Saturday to move out of the bottom four, and could put more distance between themselves and nearest rivals Boreham Wood if they avoid defeat.

Halifax’s last away defeat was at Easteligh at the end of October, while they have lost just once in their last 15 games under Jim Harvey, only failing to score once.

Braintree’s game at Bromley was postponed on Saturday, meaning they haven’t played since losing 2-0 at home to Boreham Wood on February 16.

No team has conceded fewer home goals in the National League than Braintree, although they are the lowest scorers on home turf in the division.

Only leaders Cheltenham have conceded fewer goals in the Conference than Braintree, who are four points adrift of the play-offs but have three games in hand on fifth-placed Gateshead.

Braintree won the reverse fixture 6-3 at The Shay in Darren Kelly’s final game in charge back in November. That was one of only two games this season where Braintree have scored more than twice.

Top-scorer Michael Cheek bagged a hat-trick in that win but has only eight this season and has not found the net since that victory at The Shay, failing to score in his last nine appearances.

Manager Danny Cowley is also a PE teacher and was previously in charge of Concord Rangers, where he won three promotions in eight years.