Braintree will attempt to halt a four-match losing streak when they host West Ham United U21 in the National League Cup group stage on Tuesday evening. The fixture at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium offers a chance for a reset ahead of a difficult league trip to second-placed Salisbury this weekend.
Team context
Braintree's form has collapsed over the last month. They have lost four consecutive games across all competitions, most recently a 1-2 home defeat to Truro City in the league last Saturday. That result leaves the club 21st in the National League South standings with just 10 points from 11 games. Their recent run includes a 1-3 home loss to Walton & Hersham and a 2-1 FA Cup exit at AFC Rushden & Diamonds. You can review the full sequence of recent results on our stats page.
West Ham United U21, in contrast, come into the match off a 3-0 away win against Aldershot Town in this competition back in September. The young Hammers will present a different tactical challenge for a Braintree side desperate for a positive result.
What's at stake
A victory in the cup could provide a key lift before a demanding away fixture against high-flying Salisbury on Saturday. Ending the negative momentum is the immediate priority for the squad. The team's upcoming schedule, including that key league clash, is available on our fixtures list.
Kick-off at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium is scheduled for 19:30 on Tuesday, 13 October.
