JACK Midson doesn’t think Braintree Town’s players will be fazed by facing one of the Vanarama National League’s biggest sides in a double of festive action.

The Iron host Dagenham and Redbridge on Boxing Day at the Ironmongery Direct Stadium (kick-off 3pm) before a return trip to face the Daggers away on January 2 for a New Year televised encounter.

While it is an exciting festive period for Braintree, it is also a testing one against a side who head into Christmas sitting fourth in the league, but Midson doesn’t feel they will be overawed.

“Dagenham will be two tough games for us and one of them is on the television, but we have to look forward to those types of games,” he said.

“I think we play better against the bigger teams anyway.

“I’m not sure why that’s the case, but the games will come thick and fast and if we are winning games then you want more to come because you have the winning mentality and the momentum.”

With Braintree still battling to get clear of National League relegation danger, Midson feels the upcoming festive spell is a particularly important one for them this year.

“It’s an important period in whatever league you’re in,” added the 33-year-old former AFC Wimbledon striker.

“People say that if you’re down at the bottom at Christmas then you’re going to struggle, but we have gradually been getting out.

“When you are in the relegation zone it can knock you mentally a bit.

“We have to be realistic and realise we’re not going to fly up ten places, but we have teams around us who we can go above.

“We can draw teams in with a strong Christmas and if we can get some results then that will take us up a few places.

“We have to do it.”

Midson heads into the festive period enjoying a more prolonged run in the team than he had in the early part of the season under former manager Jamie Day, but he isn’t taking his place in the team for granted.

He said: “I did the back of my knee in the early part of the season where I hurt my meniscus.

“It took me a little while to come back as it just wasn’t recovering.

“I was anxious to come back because I’m a professional and I hate being out.

“I’ve now played on the left and the right, but wherever I’ve been and had a good run up front I’ve scored goals.

“So if I can get a good run up top then I’m looking to deliver.

“I never take for granted that I’m going to play, though, so in training, I’m giving it my all.

“The body doesn’t feel like it used to but I’m still charging around, I’m scoring goals and I’m giving it 100 per cent every time I get out there.”