Town must show their ‘mettle’ to blunt the Iron

Physical Braintree have impressed since winning promotion from Conference South as champions last season.

And Brabin believes they will provide a stiff challenge for his side, especially under the leadership of former West Ham United, Watford and England midfielder Alan Devonshire.

He said: “They’ve really shaken the Conference with their early season form, certainly the 5-0 win against Grimsby who were one of the favourites for promotion.

“I watched them pre-season and they are a real strong physical team, work hard and don’t make it easy for you.

“On the back of a promotion they will be quite a confident group of players and have had a lift with a high profile name in Alan Devonshire taking over.”

Having lost their opening game of the season 1-0 at Darlington, Braintree are unbeaten in their least three winning 2-0 at Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night, drawing 1-1 at Mansfield on Saturday and having thrashed Grimsby 5-0.

And while Brabin knows Luton will have to compete physically with their opponents, he is in no doubt that they should also play their own game.

He said: “We need to play our own game but need to match teams physically.

“We know they are a big strong physical side.”

Former Luton loan man Ben Wright is a key member of the Iron’s side, and Brabin conceded Town will have to be wary of Braintree’s attacking threat.

He added: “He has done really well for them. All the reports are that their two forwards have caused a little bit of havoc with defences.

“They will be very tough opponents and we will have to be on our mettle.

“Expectancy is high and that’s part and parcel of football.

“We are a big club and feel we should be playing higher and we’ve got to earn the right to get out of this league and to where we belong.”