Braintree Town assistant manager Andy Porter feels the Iron can make use of their midweek action as they look for further Vanarama National League play-off glory at Dartford on Sunday.

The Iron booked their place in the play-off semi-finals at the Darts by holding their nerve in a penalty shoot-out in the play-off eliminator at Hemel Hempstead on Wednesday night.

The eliminator game ended 0-0 after 90 minutes and then extra-time at the Tudors in midweek, but it was the Iron’s players who proved more clinical from the spot as they won the shootout 3-2.

After the elation of winning their place in the play-off semi-final, it will be a quick turnaround for Braintree’s players for Sunday’s game.

Dartford, meanwhile, haven’t played since the final day of the season last weekend – when they won 2-1 at Bognor Regis Town with a result that just wasn’t enough to earn them the title.

It means the Darts’ players could be fresher for Sunday’s action, but Porter knows how important momentum is in play-off situations.

His team will carry a seven-game unbeaten run into the semi-final and while Dartford also completed the season strongly, they ultimately just missed out on the title and automatic promotion, so will have to lift themselves and Porter wants the Iron to use their momentum.

“Dartford are a very good side,” he said.

“They were obviously disappointed after just missing out on winning the title, but they will be a very strong side.

“So it will be a tough game, but we’ll take Wednesday’s victory into the game and the boys will be very confident.

“We have the momentum and we’ve had the game in the week, while they have had a week off.

“Although we have had extra-time, we may be a bit sharper in the early stages after having played in midweek.

“We have to start well and give it 100 per cent from the first whistle.

“I’m sure the boys are capable of it and we’re looking forward to it.”