Braintree hoping for loan boost ahead of FA Cup clash
Braintree are hoping to be able to field their on-loan players in the FA Cup first-round tie against fellow non-league side Eastbourne Borough.
The Vanarama National League side gave a debut to Ipswich teenager Monty Patterson in the home defeat against Solihull Moors last weekend, and have requested clearance for the New Zealand forward to play in the cup.
Irons boss Hakan Hayrettin is also aiming to extend the one-month loan deals for both defender George Elokobi, from Colchester, and Charlton midfielder Oli Muldoon.
Lee Barnard and Michael Cheek could again continue in attack despite the frustration of not being able to get on the scoresheet against Solihull.
Eastbourne Borough, who sit 14th in National League South, booked their place in the first round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win at Aldershot.
Striker Elliott Romain was suspended for the last qualifying tie, but will be aiming to retain his place in the starting XI after his eighth goal of the season beat bottom-of-the-table Bishop's Stortford last weekend.
On-loan midfielder Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain, younger brother of Arsenal and England player Alex, could also be involved if he is cleared to play by parent club Portsmouth.
Portuguese midfielder Miguel Baptista, forward Jamie Taylor and defender Alex Smith are all options available to Borough boss Tommy Widdrington should he want to change a winning team.
Source: PAR
