Manager Danny Cowley knows Braintree Town still have plenty of work to do if they are to reach the National League play-off final.

The Iron won 1-0 at Grimsby in Thursday night’s first leg and host the Mariners tomorrow for the right to walk out at Wembley next Sunday.

While delighted with the position his side find themselves in, Cowley knows the job is far from done.

He said: “We’ve got another half of that mountain to climb, and Grimsby are one hell of a team.

“We anticipate more of the same on Sunday, it will be another really tough game.

“We have a one-goal lead, but Grimsby can turn that around in a moment. They have the players who can charge it around in the drop of a hat.

“That’s why we are not getting carried away.”

Cowley has regularly described Braintree’s loyal fans as being ‘small in number but big in heart’ but would love to see plenty of new faces packed into Cressing Road this weekend as his side bid to reach the final.

“Hopefully, the town will get behind us this weekend,” he said.

“I think that Braintree fans have enjoyed our journey this season. The players are honest, working-class boys really, and I think the supporters can associate with that.

“We hope the whole of Braintree get behind us, and we hope that the whole of Essex get behind us.

“For us, non-league football is a family, and it will be really great if all the local clubs will be willing to come out and support us, because we are going to need all the support we can.”