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Braintree Town manager Lee Patterson is hoping his side's impressive home record will stand them in good stead in tonight's Blue Square South semi-final first leg.

The Iron have won eight of their last nine games at Cressing Road - drawing the other - and have conceded just once in that time.

It is that form that has helped them sneak into a play-off semi-final against Eastbourne Borough.

And having sealed victory over Boro' in their last match of the season - a result which clinched them a play-off place - Patterson wants his side to make home advantage count.

He said: "I hope the home record we've had will stand us in good stead and it's important that we don't let them score.

"I think it'll be a tight game but it's important that we make the most of being at home and get ourselves a lead.

"But I don't think 0-0 would be the worst result in the world.

"Eastbourne will play a certain way and they will try and nick something from the game."

It will be little more than 72 hours since the last time the two clubs went head to head.

However, Patterson is wary of reading too much into their previous meeting, which Braintree won 1-0.

"We're under no illusions that Eastbourne weren't at full strength that day," said the former East Thurrock United boss.

"Perhaps some of their players didn't put in the effort they might have done had it been a different game.

"Their manager thinks that they let the league title slip away from them.

"Play-off games are different to league football - there's a lot at stake and players may not do the sort of things they normally do in a game."

Braintree still have a stack of injuries to contend with.

Ian Cousins is out with an infection and striker James Baker (ankle) is also unavailable, while Louis Riddle is rated as doubtful.

However, Braintree are hopeful that defender Russell Edwards will be available again.

2:31pm Tuesday 29th April 2008

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