Boss, Russ Wilcox made two changes to the side that fell to a first defeat in six last time out. Dylan Wharton was back between the sticks after his concussion, and Ashley Jackson was back in contention after missing last weekend’s trip to Ashton United. Goalkeeper Josh Render was in the matchday sixteen for the first time also, as the Blues targeted victory.
Racing out of the traps early, Preston landed an arching header onto the roof of Jim Atkinson’s goal, following a well dug out left wing centre. That should have served as warning that Trinity meant business, but Workington didn’t yield the warning. Howe opening the scoring as he controlled Jackson’s long throw, as it fell kindly for the number ten, he managed to turn the ball home and the Blues were up and running!
Howe doubled his and Trinity’s advantage with his fourth in two games against the Reds. just thirteen minutes in, Preston won the ball back and lifted the ball over the full back. Showing a clean pair of heels, Howe nodded the ball down into his path as he raced goalwards. Atkinson came out to narrow the angle, but the supremely confident striker, lifted the ball over the ‘keeper, to the delight of the Trinity faithful. Two-nil up and creating chances aplenty. The movement and high press were causing the visitors no end of problems, as they looked to play out from the back.
Trinity, as a team, were backing one another up and were relentless in their quest for a third, creating openings and opportunities with regular sights of goal. George Hornshaw fed Preston, who made room to get a shot away that was comfortable for the visiting ‘keeper. He then scuffed a clearance, which saw Howe played in. An audacious chip wasn’t far away from seeing the ‘keeper red faced.
Eventually, four minutes from half time, Russ Wilcox’s men did have a third. Hornshaw released Preston down the right hand side, and he cut in, onto his left and curled a smart finish beyond the grasp of Atkinson. A finish of real quality, that had the crowd purring with delight. The opposition bench were clearly not happy with the first half they had witnessed. And you knew there had to be a reaction after the break…
Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 3 Workington AFC 0
The visitors rallied after the break, playing into the wind, but it was that man Howe, with the first attempt of the second period, dragging his effort wide of the target. Just shy of the hour mark, Scott Allison pulled one back for the visitors. Trinity failing to clear their lines. And the long serving Workington man rifled home, from ten yards out. Allison again found himself in a good position, but leaning back, his effort sailed over Wharton’s crossbar.
Howe was to have his head in hands once more, when a presentable opportunity saw the hitman mis-kick from point blank range. Would the Holy Blues be made to pay for not extending their lead. When league leading scorer David Symington struck to further reduce the arrears, from a tight angle, nerves would be jangling.
Only for a neat flowing move started and finished by Bailey Conway a minute later, would settle things and earn all three points for the Holy Blues. Conway’s cushioned ball into Preston, was helped round the corner by substitute Dayle Southwell, and Trinity’s all action midfielder was able to race half the length of the pitch, slotting past Atkinson, restoring the two goal advantage for Russ Wilcox’s men.
Four goals at home, three points earned and an eighth win of the year setting Trinity up nicely for an Easter weekend double header. Away at Bamber Bridge on Easter Saturday, before welcoming Stafford Rangers to the Kal Group Stadium on Easter Monday. Both games kicking off at 3pm.
The Teams
Gainsborough Trinity: Dylan Wharton, George Hornshaw, Ashley Jackson, Bailey Conway, Hamish Douglas, Dylan Cogill, Lewis Butroid, Bobby Johnson, Fraser Preston, Declan Howe (Dayle Southwell) Joe Stacey (Connor Shanks). Subs not used: Nathaniel Wallace, Jack Moore-Billam and Josh Render.
Workington AFC: Jim Atkinson, Greg McCaragher, Finlay Wallbank, Jordan Little, Sam Smith, Ceiran Casson, David Symington, Sam Hetherington, Steven Rigg, Scott Allison, Connor Tinnion. Subs:Aidan Roxburgh, Brad Hubbold, Kitt Nelson, Lewis Reilly, Danny Eccles.
Match report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Photos by Ross Nicholls (@rcn_photography)