Forest Green Rovers make a second trip this season to Cressing Road for our National League clash with Braintree Town.
On our last visit to Essex in December, Rovers advanced in the FA Trophy via penalties following a 1-1 draw as Adam May got himself on the scoresheet.
As Rovers hunt a 20th unbeaten league game, here is everything Rovers fans need to know about Saturday’s opposition.
THE OPPOSITION - BRAINTREE TOWN
The Iron have picked up some impressive form in recent weeks suffering just one defeat in their last five matches.
That recent form has seen the Iron climb to 18th in the league and now sit three points above the drop zone.
And in their last five at Cressing Road in the league, the Iron have suffered just two defeats recording a memorable win over Solihull Moors and held Gateshead to a 2-2 draw.
IN THE DUGOUT - STEVE PITTS
When we last faced the Iron, they were going through change of management as Justin Moseley took interim charge following Angelo Harrop’s departure in November.
Moseley has since departed the club himself following the appointment of Steve Pitts following the Iron’s exit from the FA Trophy in December.
Pitts returned to the club following a previous stint as assistant manager between 2022-2023 and is undergoing his first managerial job since 2013.
PLAYER TO WATCH - JOHN AKINDE
The Iron have struggled in front of goal this season but in recent time striker John Akinde has stepped up under manager, Pitts.
Three goals and three assists since Pitts took over has shown the vast improvement in Akinde who had previously only netted twice all season.
IRON’S FORM
08.02.25 – Altrincham 3-1 Braintree Town (National League)
01.02.25 – Braintree Town 1-1 Hartlepool United (National League)
25.01.25 – Ebbsfleet United 0-1 Braintree Town (National League)
18.01.25 – Braintree Town 1-0 Solihull Moors (National League)
14.01.25 – Aldershot Town 2-2 Braintree Town (National League
