BRAINTREE Town manager Angelo Harrop has approached the Vanarama Conference South Play-Off Final against Worthing with "calmness and careful preparation" this time around after last year's disappointing play-off defeat, writes DAVID WARD.

The Iron take on Worthing on Monday afternoon for a place in the National League, next season, with the match being screened live on TNT Sports.

Braintree lost to Worthing in last season's play-off quarter-finals but Harrop feels they are a different proposition now.

"I think both myself, my backroom team and the players are far more composed and calm in relation to the game," he declared.

"I think last year it was all new to us, we were quite excitable at reaching the semi-finals and in some ways we were like fans."

He went on: "I know we have really learned our lesson from the last year and are better prepared for it this time and I feel we are also more mature individually and as a team."

Harrop, in his second season with the Iron, continued: "We have done our homework and our preparations have been meticulous but we know that it won't be easy as these kind of games never are and Worthing are a very good team as we saw in our two league games against them this season."

Harrop and his coaches watched the Worthing win over Maidstone United last Sunday and he said: "Again it was a very good, close game so we know what to expect."

He added: "I'm really proud of our football club and for all those involved on and off the field but nobody is getting carried away and the players know their own responsibilities and what they have to do to get over the line."

In preparation for the big game the Iron have travelled down to the Sussex coast the night before so the players could be fully prepared for the big game.