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Whatever happens, it has been a fascinating season Braintree Town. After finishing 3rd in the National League, the team of part timers managed by a PE Teacher overcame Grimsby Town 1-0 to take a slender lead into what will be unquestionably the biggest game in the clubs history this Sunday. Braintree were playing Isthmian League Football 10 years ago, before consolidating their position in the Conference South and achieving promotion to the Conference National in 2010/2011.
Finishing 3rd above former football league clubs Tranmere, Macclesfield and Wrexham, The Iron’s success has been built on a determined ‘siege mentality’ and robust defence, with a goal difference of +18 comfortably the lowest within the play off places. Last night’s victory was their 22nd clean sheet of the league season achieved on a meagre 25% on possession. Only Cheltenham, who won the league at a canter (101 points, 12 points from 2nd place!) had fewer goals conceded.
To say that Braintree shut up shot would be a huge disservice, with players such as Simeon Akinola and Michael Cheek offering flair in attack. Kenny Davis, who has a Charlie Adam like ability to appear substantially older than his age would suggest, has chipped in 7 goals from defence. Although Braintree’s budget would indicate they are hugely overachieving following years of lower-middle table finishes, the mood Danny Cowley has installed within the camp would suggest that anything is possible – his ability to take the team on to another level has enhanced his status as one of the most talented young managers in the lower echelons of the football pyramid. The infamous goal at Guiseley in February, although costing them points, has been used to harden the squads belief – the players ensured that the changing room was cleaned and left immaculate in the face of huge frustration. “We do things properly at Braintree Town” said Cowley – quite right too.
As most of us have fallen in love with Leicester’s achievements this season, it would be a huge disservice not to credit Braintree town should they achieve what was perceived to be impossible and become football league club – and best of all, they won’t have to make the trip up to the sporting chaps at Guiseley again.
Unlike in the EPL where the TV money is shared evenly, the La Liga pot is most taken by Barca and Real leaving the rest of the teams to feed on scraps. Ronaldo and Messi only score 50+ goals a season is because most teams are bankrupt and can barely afford to pay their staff never mind buy quality the quality of player for example Cabaye or Payet like Palace and West Ham did this season. When you know Barca and Real are most likely going to win 5-0 each week where is the excitement? Without Atletico right now or Valencia and Deportivo before them La Liga isn’t even worth following, just find out at the end of the season who won from the big two and watch a you tube video of Messi/Ronaldo/Suarez/Neymar’s best goals.
Winning the EPL is much more difficult and now more than ever. Next season there might be 6 potential title challengers, few if any leagues can offer that. Shearer’s and Henry’s goal records actually mean something because it’s a competitive competition where it’s a lot harder to score as most teams won’t roll over for you like most La Liga teams do on a weekly basis and Aston.