This weekend the Blues host Cray Valley (PM) at the Arena, having won their first game in 2026 away at Chatham midweek. Brentwood will look to build on that result here to solidify their playoff position.
The Blues
It’s been a tricky run at the start of 2026 for the Blues, but arguably the most difficult fixture so far saw Keith Rowland’s side take all three points away from a fellow promotion hopeful.
Brentwood picked up a 1-0 win away at Chatham Town, with Louie Johnson scoring the only goal of the match just after the half time break. Whilst Johnson’s goal got the three points over the line, credit has to go to the Blues defence and goalkeeper Aiden Prall, for keeping out numerous chances that could’ve seen the spoils shared.
It moves Brentwood back up to third in the table, just two points behind rivals Aveley, although Chatham below have three games in hand, thanks to their long run in the FA Trophy. The Blues will want to make it back-to-back wins here to give themselves the best chance of a playoff place.
The Millers
It has been a tricky season for Cray Valley, who sit in the relegation zone, behind Wingate & Finchley on goal difference. Both sides sit on 27 points, with the Millers picking up an important one in their last match.
Last time out they hosted Cheshunt at the Artic Stadium, and by the 48th minute were 3-0 behind, and looked out of the game. However, by the 63rd minute, they were just one goal behind, Marcel Barrington having scored a brace, and the fightback was complete when captain Tom Beere netted the equaliser just six minutes later.
One to watch is the captain, Beere, who bagged his sixth goal of the season with the important equaliser against Cheshunt. Top scorer Ibby Akanbi left earlier this month, so manager Steve McKimm will need his senior players to step up with the goals if the Millers are to stay up.
Final Word
This game should be a great clash between two teams that have everything to fight for, at either ends of the table. The Blues have started to play their trademark football as of recent, and will look to put the Millers to the sword with another three points.
