MARK Phillips is desperate to end his Wembley heartache by helping Braintree Town reach the Conference play-off final.

The Iron take on Grimsby Town in the first leg of their play-off semi-final tonight.

And the former Southend United defender is keen to progress in order to make up for missing out on the Shrimpers’ JPT final with Crewe Alexandra back in 2013.

“It’s about the team not me but one of the things driving me on is to get to Wembley again,” said Phillips.

“I think most Southend fans would agree that I was unfairly treated when I missed out on the final against Crewe so it would be great to get back there and play with Braintree.

“But above all else it’s about us winning promotion.

“For us to be in the play-offs is an unbelievable achievement which is right up there with Leicester winning the Premier League in my opinion.

“However, the hard work starts now really and we need to be ready for what are going to be two very difficult games against a strong Grimsby side.”

Part-time Braintree have worked wonders to finish third in the table.

And Phillips believes plenty of credit must go to manager Danny Cowley who combines taking charge of the club with being the head of PE at Rayleigh’s FitzWimarc School.

“Danny and his brother Nicky who is his assistant have a very successful partnership together at Concord Rangers and I can see exactly now why,” said the 33-year-old.

“They are very professional and are up there with the very best I’ve ever worked with.

“Danny and Nicky can certainly go on to manage far higher if that’s what they want to do.”

However, right now, the focus is fully on promotion with Phillips playing a prominent part in the team’s success.

The defender has helped Braintree keep an impressive 25 clean sheets this season and was also named players’ player of the year.

But Phillips is not motivated by individual honours and hopes fans of Essex football will come out in force to cheer Braintree on in the second leg at Cressing Road on Sunday.

“We’re creating history on and off the pitch and fans have been coming in record numbers but it would be great if we could get a few more,” said the defender, who spent four years with the Shrimpers.

"I always had a great relationship with the Southend fans and it would be great for them to come along if they can.”

Former Blues midfielder Alex Woodyard is also expected to start for Braintree with the winners of the tie facing Dover or Forest Green Rovers in the final.