Danny Cowley: Braintree boss irked by National League schedule

Danny Cowley has been in charge of Braintree since the summer

Braintree Town manager Danny Cowley has criticised the scheduling of National League fixtures after playing four games in 10 days.

Cowley's Iron are sixth in the table after Tuesday's 1-0 win over Dover.

But he told BBC Essex: "We've had such a tough period of games. Tell me in what other football league you play 17 games in two months.

"Can you imagine that happening in the Premier League? They moan if they have to go Saturday-Tuesday once."

He continued: "It's hugely challenging and massively disadvantages part-time squads and small squads, and we've got both of those.

"For us to come through this period and have done as well as we have is pleasing."

Cowley's squad is struggling with a number of injuries, with Simeon Akinola and Chez Isaac both getting through the Dover game with hamstring problems.

"It was a challenge to get a team out on the pitch against Dover. We've had three youth-team players in the squad," said Cowley.

"We'll work very hard on the phone between now and Saturday to see if we can get a few extras in, but obviously finances are tight and we have to beg, steal and borrow."