Braintree boss Ben Embery says his side still have plenty to play for as they concentrate on league matters for the rest of the season.

The Iron enjoyed a good run in the FA Trophy before losing to Margate in a fifth round replay last week. Tonight they face Bedford Town.

But Embery believes it is important they picked themselves up to ensure that their good early season work is not undone.

He said: "Our run in the Trophy was great, it brought a bit of high profile to the club, but now we have to guard against a feeling of anti-climax. We have to make sure we perform in the league and if we can finish in the top six it will be an excellent season for us."

Defeat against Purfleet on Saturday left the Iron in sixth spot, but they have games in hand on the teams immediately above them.

Purfleet are a point ahead in fifth, but having played four games more, while Aldershot, in fourth, are a further four points in front, having played three games more.

Embery said: "We've still got some big games to come.

"We still have to play Aldershot at home and, in the last two weeks of the season, we face both Gravesend and Canvey Island at home, and they are currently in a fight for the title."

Embery also said the strong winds at Purfleet on Saturday made the game "a lottery" and he was hoping for better conditions tonight.

Brett Girling is doubtful after suffering a tight hamstring at the weekend, while Embery is definitely without the injured trio of Gary Waters, Dean Parratt and Tommy Noble.

Bedford will enter the match in good spirits after an impressive 3-3 draw with table toppers Canvey Island at the weekend.

Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002