The admiration between Matt Paine and the fans of Braintree Town is a truly mutual one and both will be needed as the club look to continue making history this weekend.

The 28-year-old Iron defender was proud to pick up the Supporters’ Player-of-the-Year award following their final game against Altrincham a week ago today.

Their 3-0 victory secured a highest-ever finish of third place in the Vanarama National League and set up a two-legged play-off semi-final against Grimsby Town.

The first leg of the semi-final saw a 1-0 win for the Iron at Grimsby on Thursday and the second is due to take place at the Avanti Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

The home leg is an all-ticket affair and Paine hopes the people of Braintree turn out in force to cheer the team on to a dream final at Wembley on May 15.

He said: “I was delighted to get this season’s Supporters’ award as the fans have been fantastic this year.

“They have helped us over the line on many occasions and against Altrincham on Saturday they did it again.

“We just want them to know that they do make a difference.

“As Danny (Cowley) says, they may be small in number, but they are big in heart and that’s so true.

“The noise they produce is unbelievable.

“That does spur us on and I just want to thank the fans for everything they’ve done for us this season.

“Hopefully they will continue to back us for two more games and we’ll try to give them something they deserve.

“Braintree is a small town that’s surrounded by big clubs like Southend, Colchester and Ipswich, but they have a very successful team and one that should make the town feel very happy and proud.

“With their backing and support on Thursday and then on Sunday at home, who knows what we can achieve?”