Wilcox was forced into one change, with Callum Yam coming in on a Work Experience deal, to replace the injured Dylan Wharton between the sticks. New loan, Ashley Jackson also debuted, starting on the left of midfield, while Bobby Johnson was restored to the starting eleven having served his one match ban.

It was the young Sheffield United stopper who was called into action first, when he had to be out smartly at the feet of Matt Thornhill, after one of the four, starting former Blues was able to ghost in, but Yam was equal to the former Nottingham Forest midfielder.

Lewis Butroid did brilliantly, overlapping Jackson down the left, he got to the by line and pulled back well, finding the feet of Dec Howe. The striker taking a touch to steady himself, only to be denied by Mason Frizelle's block.

Yam could do nothing on 25 minutes though, when he was left rooted to the spot. Remaye Campbell rifling past the youngster, after Dom Roma's clipped ball down the Basford right was brought inside by Matthew Bowman, and Campbell's thumping effort gave the 'keeper no chance.

Two minutes later, Basford could & in truth should have doubled their lead, when Frizelle arrived unmarked to graze the roof of the crossbar from a right wing corner. A let off for the Blues. On the half hour, Brodie Litchfield went close to doubling the Basford lead. Under pressure from a trio of Trinity defenders, the winger still found room to poke an effort goalwards. Only to see the effort squirm wide of the post.

The two fours went into the referee's notebook, as first Bailey Conway was carded for a strong, but seemingly clean challenge on Matt Thornhill, before Basford debutant Jack Andrews saw a card of the same colour for a high challenge on Dayle Southwell.

The Holy Blues hadn't been 'at it' in the opening period, but the audible instruction was to keep it tight - and get in at the break - in touch... but two strikes on the stroke of half time took the game away from Russ Wilcox's men. A harshly awarded freekick wasn't defended well. Remaye Campbell in the right place to head home unmarked at the back post. The number nine gleefully wheeling away to celebrate his second.

And less than a minute later, the home side's number nine had the chance to seal a first half hat trick. What appeared to be a heavy touch from Brodie Litchfield invited Callum Yam to race off his line, the youngster diving at the former Belper man's feet, seemed to push the ball away from the left winger, but the man in the middle was adamant that the man had been taken & pointed to the spot. Despite getting a hand to the ball, as Yam guessed the right way - Campbell struck the spot kick with enough pace to beat the 'keeper and the one goal lead had quickly become three.

Half Time: Basford United 3 Gainsborough Trinity 0

Strong words would doubtless have been had at half time, as the side was sent out before the hosts, determined to right the wrongs of the first half. But once again, the visitors struggled to pose any real problems to the side that started the afternoon bottom of the pile.

Soon after the restart, Southwell found himself in space, but couldn't control his half volley, before Campbell thought he'd got a fourth - only to see his effort flagged offside. In truth, it was an early flag, but his confidence was certainly up.

A hurried clearance by Yam, from the pass-back saw the on loan youngster scrambling across his goal - and with Wakefield taking a tumble, the freekick went Trinity's way. Wakefield then curled over before twice Campbell was the target of crosses from the left, then right. The first cross was dealt with well by skipper Dylan Cogill, but the follow up cross found the striker, who glanced wide when well placed.

Attention now turns to the Kal Group Stadium, where the Holy Blues have been a much tougher nut to crack -so please turn out in numbers - as we look to continue making our home a fortress. As the Gladiators of Matlock are next up, we'll need you more than ever as we head into battle. Russ & Stampy's Trinity Army!

The Teams

Basford United

Kieran Preston, Dom Roma, Peter Dearle, Jack Andrews, Mason Frizelle, Toby Ritzema (Brad McGowan 88) Matthew Bowman, Matthew Thornhill, Remaye Campbell (Harry Goddard 90) Charlie Wakefield, Brodie Litchfield (Mitch Woakes 74)

Subs not used: Tyler Dacres & Jason Alexander

Gainsborough Trinity

Callum Yam, George Hornshaw, Lewis Butroid (Jack Moore-Billam 62) Bailey Conway, Hamish Douglas, Dylan Cogill, Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson, Dayle Southwell (Harrison Poulter 70*) Declan Howe (Joel Holvey 77) Javelle Clarke

Subs not used: Harry Lovick &.Nathaniel Wallace

Referee: Harry Tarrant

Attendance 384