Braintree Town manager Brad Quinton is delighted that his team are heading into the end-of-season play-offs as one of the Vanarama National League South's form sides.

Having won five and drawn one of their final six games of the regular campaign, Braintree will head to Hemel Hempstead Town for their opening play-off clash tonight as joint second in the division's form table.

Only Dartford, who finished second in the final standings, had a better finish than the Iron and Quinton is pleased to be taking strong form into the play-offs.

His experience tells him how important momentum can be in play-offs situations and the Braintree boss feels it has given his players the belief they need that they can progress through the play-offs and secure promotion to the National League this year.

“The boys have good character about them," he said.

“We have worked hard in training and they boys are playing with a lot of freedom and are enjoying their football.

“I think all of them were tremendous in that last game against Gloucester.

“We scored some good goals but the momentum is key.

“They are a squad of young boys and you can’t coach it into them not to be scared so momentum is massive for us.

“Coming from a position at the start of the season where we had no players to go on the journey they have and to be really believing in themselves is incredible.

“They need to have a good look at themselves before the game on Wednesday and see the belief that this could actually happen.

“It’s an opportunity there to be taken.

“With what these boys can do, it really is and I believe in them.

“They have improved week on week and month on month and we’re now in the business end of the season.

“Every single member of my squad deserve what they have got."

Quinton knows the play-offs can be a lottery, with everything hinging on a one-off game - in the same manner of a cup final - but he can't wait to face Hemel Hempstead at the start of what they hope is a three-game run to glory.

He added: “We didn’t have one face at the start of the season and it’s a credit to all of us what we have done – my coaching staff, my scouts – and if we can get this club back into the National League then what an achievement it will be.

“I have done my job so far and I hope the chairman and everyone are happy so far.

“I’m sure they will be as we have some really good prospects here.

“I don’t think anyone will really want to play us as it’s cup final time now.

“Every single game is a cup final when we have to give it our all.

“We have worked tirelessly hard to get there – sometimes to the stage of boredom for the players.

“But credit to them as they have listened and they’re such a good bunch.

“I’m just glad that we have got this far, but I can’t wait to face Hemel Hempstead on Wednesday now.

“If I could still play, I’d pull the boots on and cherish the moment.

“We’re ready and I think it will be a very good spectacle so hopefully we’ll get plenty of our fans there to get behind us.

“We’ll be giving it our all and I can’t wait."