Mitch Brundle insists that Braintree Town won’t approach today’s game against Altrincham any differently than they would any other – despite what is hanging on the result.

The Iron’s players know that just a point from their encounter with Altrincham will ensure they finish in the Vanarama National League’s top five and be involved in the top-flight’s play-offs for the first time ever.

But Brundle, who scored the winning goal in the Iron’s 3-2 victory at Wrexham last weekend to set up their big game at the Avanti Stadium today (kick-off 5.30pm), feels there will be no special approach to the fixture.

“We’ll approach it as though it was just another game,” he said.

“It’s another challenge in front of us and if we go out there looking for a draw then we may well get nothing from it.

“We have to approach it with the same mentality that we have every other game.

“We can’t try to defend for 90 minutes and we’ll make sure we give it 100 per cent.

“It could possibly be the most important game that most of us will have in our careers and the boys are certainly up for it.

“The whole team are so close and that includes everyone, even those working behind the scenes who people may not hear about.

“We have such a good bunch and everyone is willing to fight and go the extra mile.

“To bounce back in the way that we have in the last few games has been amazing.

“We had those few results that didn’t go our way and we knew we had to go back to the drawing board. Had we carried on with those results we knew we wouldn’t be in the position that we now are. I think it gave us a kick up he backside.”

Brundle has been an integral part of the Braintree’s upturn in recent weeks after they lost those three games on the bounce and looked set to fall out of the race for the play-offs.

Scoring the goals that proved decisive in their wins at Gateshead and Wrexham have been an apt reward for a player who boss Danny Cowley rates highly and Brundle feels he is playing his best in his favoured berth in the centre of midfield.

He added: “It has been good recently for me personally, but I couldn’t have done any of it without everyone working so hard as a team.

“There have been ups and downs during the season, but I’m glad that my hard work is paying off now. Everyone has worked hard and it’s just that my main contribution is coming now in the latter part of the season.

“It’s really been since the Cheltenham game, but I feel as though I’m playing well.

“I think I’m seeing the benefits of playing in the position that I feel most comfortable in and most effective in.

“It’s benefitting not just me but also the team.”

The 21-year-old says playing in a situation like the one Braintree are currently in is a new one to him, but he is enjoying being part of a push to make club history.

Brundle added: “I was at Yeovil on loan when they were going through a promotion campaign so I have seen what it’s like, but this is the first time I’ve actually been playing in one.

“I’m really enjoying it and feel I’m thriving in the midfield position I’ve got. You have to enjoy it really because these are the moments that we all play football for. I don’t see it that we have any pressure.

“What we are doing is unbelievable and it just shows what commitment and hard work can do.”