Day 270

We’re expected to clean up against Braintree tomorrow. The part-timers are languishing down in 23rd place, six points and 26 goals from safety, with relegation looking all but a foregone conclusion. We beat them 2-0 last time out—back in early November—despite a 49th-minute injury to Koroma and a 51st-minute red card for Rui Marques. I expect a similar level of comfort tomorrow.

Braintree’s key man, I’ve been led to believe by the media (I’m personally not convinced), is Craig Hinton, a 34-year-old central defender with little aerial or physical presence and no pace whatsoever—he’s rated at a measly 2 out of 20 on Pace. If we don’t exploit that, I’ll be fuming.

Struggling Alfreton Town are rumoured to be under scrutiny from a consortium of businessmen interested in taking over the small club. I have no idea why anyone would want to buy them—perhaps the rock-bottom price?—but it could shake up the Conference league next season if it goes ahead.

Elvijs Putnins finished his three-month loan spell at the club today, after making 17 appearances with an average rating of 6.78. It falls to January signing Mark Halstead—who spent time on loan with us early in the season—to take over between the sticks for the remainder of the season. He’s still recovering his match fitness after injury, but it looks like he’ll be in decent shape for tomorrow.

Mansfield faltered against Grimsby this evening, being held to a draw at home. That means we’ll be ten points clear if we win tomorrow, which would leave us needing just two points in the final four matches to guarantee the title. It’s so nearly in my hands; I’d be heartbroken if it slipped away now.