Standing in the way of Bish & Stampy's charges, is League rival, from the shadows of Riber Castle, Matlock Town. The Derbyshire based outfit, managed by Martin Carruthers - and boasting a trio of former Trinity men amongst their ranks: Former Club Captain, Andrew Wright & left back Joseph West have been very much involved in the Gladiators opening six games, as has prolific striker Jonny Margetts. The striker having netted five goals in six games following on from a successful pre-season campaign, Messrs Porritt, Flint & Cogill will have to be on lookout, to keep the striker from adding to his tally.
In golfing terms, it's probably fair to say Matlock are on par. In six games, they've won two, lost two and drawn two. Scoring ten & conceding ten. Comparing the three games against the same opponents Trinity have faced so far, Matlock were beaten by Marine (goal less draw for Trinity), Bamber Bridge 0-0 (it finished one a piece at the Northolme) and Macclesfield 3-0 the same scoreline for both the Gladiators and the Blues, bizarrely within four days of each other.
Trinity are boosted by the return of exciting winger Javelle Clarke, who returns to the squad having served the last of his three game ban for his dismissal against Ilkeston, while it’s also hoped that Jack Moore-Billam has recovered from the sickness bug that ruled him out of last
weeks’ Bank Holiday Monday fixture against Worksop.
Speaking ahead of the game, Blues’ Assistant Manager, Darryn Stamp touched on the magic of the cup – and how it can help clubs in monetary terms, “Financially, it is a competition that can boost the coffers of the lower league clubs and so both will be praying that they can be the ones that put a couple of wins together and be in with a chance of a game live on TV against a Football League team.”
With that in mind, and Trinity clearly up for the cup, we need you to turn out in numbers and back the Holy Blues. Be the twelfth man, and roar us on to victory. Together – we are stronger.
Matchday Information
We extend a warm welcome to our Match Sponsors, the Blues Volunteers and Match Ball Sponsors, The Robinson Family. We thank both groups for their continued support of the Holy Blues, and hope that they all enjoy the day, watching Trinity in cup action, on the Northolme!
Prices for the game have been agreed with our visitors, which stand at £13 adults, £9 concessions. Under 16s £5. At the turnstiles, it is cash only payments available, and we remind you that Season Tickets are NOT valid for this fixture.
Car parking next to the ground is available at a cost of £2 per vehicle, otherwise it is street parking around the ground. But please be mindful, you are in a residential area, and we ask that you are respectful of our neighbours.
Matchday Programme
Our Matchday Programme in association with Matchday Creative will be on sale, on the turnstiles – priced at £2.50 features striker Liam Hardy on the cover. His picture coming from the camera of long term friend of the club, Russell Shepherd (Off the Bench Pics). Included within this edition are the thoughts of Stampy and skipper Dylan Cogill. Regular features from the excellent trio that is: Dale Storey, Steve Andrews & Pip Anderson. There’s an update from the Women’s team manager, Liam McNulty. Plenty of information on our opponents Matlock Town – and our up to date facts and figures from our games so far!
Elsewhere in the First Qualifying Round:
Including ourselves, eleven Pitching In Northern Premier League sides find themselves at home in this season's Emirates FA Cup. Will home advantage be enough to see the NPL sides progress? Guaranteed to be exclusively in the second qualifying round & representing the NPL, will be the winners from the games between Trinity and Matlock - and Morpeth who face off against current league leaders Radcliffe.
Alvechurch v Basford United
Ashton United v Dunston
Bamber Bridge v Mossley
Clitheroe v Hyde United
Consett AFC v Bradford (Park Avenue)
FC United of Manchester v Barnoldswick Town
Goole AFC v Whitby Town
Guisborough Town v Atherton Collieries
Guiseley v Marine
Lancaster City v Witton Albion
Mickleover v Ilkeston Town
Morpeth Town v Radcliffe
Ossett United v Marske United
Stafford Rangers v Atherstone Town
Warrington Rylands v Stockton Town
Whickham v Macclesfield
Workington AFC v Prestwich Heys
Worksop Town v Sheffield
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)