Braintree Town face Folkestone Invicta at Ironmongery Direct Stadium, Braintree, Essex on Monday, Dec 28 at 8:45 PM in a basement battle that neither side can afford to lose. Both clubs are deep in the relegation picture in the National League – South, and defeat here could prove costly come the end of the season.

Braintree Town come into this fixture struggling badly (1W 4L in last 5). Folkestone Invicta, meanwhile, arrive struggling badly (1W 3L in last 5) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Braintree Town head into this on the back of a defeat, while Folkestone Invicta arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Verdict: Little separates these two on form or history. Home advantage could be the deciding factor — a narrow Braintree Town win or a draw looks most likely.