Braintree Town have gone by their current name since 1982, but the club dates back to 1898, when they were founded as the works team of the Crittall Window Company. Known for much of that time as Crittall Athletic, they played in various leagues not only in Essex and East Anglia but also in London.

They joined the Southern League (Southern Division) in 1991, later switching to the Isthmian League, and earned promotion to the Conference South in 2006.

The 2025/26 season will be their ninth in the fifth tier. Their best campaign came in 2015/16 under Danny Cowley, finishing third and reaching the play-off semi-finals, where they lost to Grimsby Town — who went on to beat us in the final.

In recent years, Braintree have found life in the fifth tier tougher, with two relegations, highlighting how much more demanding the National League has become for part-time clubs like the self-proclaimed ‘pub team from Essex’.

Steve Pitt took over as Braintree manager in December 2024, with his first game the FA Trophy tie against us, which we won on penalties. He had been the club’s assistant manager in the past and had also served as Director of Football at Billericay Town, another well-known Essex non-league side.

There’s also a strong Colchester United influence at the club, with several former U’s players involved in the coaching staff.

Struggling, really. No strangers to being in or adjacent to the relegation zone, but the difficulty in scoring goals – averaging under one per game as of late December – is the big problem. The Iron’s season started well, with a 3-0 victory over Halifax Town; in September they were two goals up against title-chasing York City, but eventually lost 3-2.  Holding Rovers and Scunthorpe Utd to draws (of 0-0 and 1-1, respectively) will be results to inspire hope in Braintree too. One notable low was a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Carlisle Utd. The team had four no-score draws in the first half of the season, and in general, scoring goals has been their key problem. No team in the league has scored fewer goals than Braintree Town this year. Their defense, on the other hand, has mostly been relatively reliable, with the number of goals conceded having more in common with mid-table teams than those facing the drop. But facing the drop they are – Easter Monday’s no-score draw with Woking confirmed relegation for the Iron to the sixth tier, although their geographic location lends some uncertainty as to which of the National League North and National League South they will end up in next season.

This season’s fixture for Rovers at Cressing Road, played at the end of August 2025, was a somewhat frustrating goalless draw.

The Iron’s most recent visit to Nailsworth was in October 2024, ending in a 2-1 victory for Rovers. After an early goal by Braintree, FGR came from behind, with goals from Harry Cardwell and Kyle McAllister sending Rovers to second place in the National League table.

Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can use the Park and Ride service from Renishaw (Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL5 5EY). It opens at 12:30pm on matchdays and costs £5 per car (card only).

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Women’s, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club

Fan Zone – Fan Zone to the right of the ground entrance, behind the North Stand. Open to home & away supporters. The Fan Zone has a food truck, bar, toilets and a large marquee with picnic benches and live music from about 1:30pm.

The Green Man  – Normally home fans only,  serves food and drink. Opens 12pm.

Gym Bar – Open again in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.

Club Shop – Opens 12pm. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.