Trinity, and new boss Russ Wilcox in particular have been busy in the transfer market, preparing for the game, with no fewer than three new signings confirmed during the course of Friday. All players having gotten at least one training session under their belt ahead of the match up with the Colls. The trio of signings across the pitch, including central defender Hamish Douglas, versatile youngster Nathaniel Wallace & striker Declan Howe, all look to have added strength and depth across the pitch.

These signings come ahead of a couple of crucial games, against teams in and around us at the bottom of the table. Coupled with the exciting group of young talented players, Wilcox will be able to mould a hungry side, capable of putting points on the board, and climbing the table.

Russ Wilcox urged supporters to turn out in numbers for our game against Atherton Collieries, as he spoke ahead of the game:

“Please come down at the weekend and support us. Every person helps, we need that at the moment. We are at the wrong end of the table, and we need your help to climb the table, be the twelfth man. Please come down, be vocal, and support us the best that you possibly can. Be nice and positive, we will be positive out there - I will put together a real hard-working group, that you will hopefully see out there. We will win some games, lose some games, and draw some games – and every time you come down here, you will see a fully committed group of players.”

Atherton Collieries sit one place below the Holy Blues at the start of play, with nearly an identical record. Both teams are locked together on five points from seven games, by virtue of winning one, drawing two and losing four. Trinity sitting one place higher thanks to an additional goal scored, though the two sides both currently have a -9 goal difference.

The Colls made a managerial change in the summer with long serving manager Brad Cooke leaving, and being replaced in the Skuna hottest by David Chadwick. Both teams have been better on home soil, as you look at the two sides' records so far. The Holy Blues having picked up five points from three games (extending to two wins and three draws if you factor in cup competitions) with no points taken back to Lincolnshire, ao far. The Colls however, have picked up four of their five points at home & have a one all draw away at basement side Basford to add to their seasonal tally so far.

Scoring goals has been difficult for both sides this season although our visitors have hit six in their last two away cup ties, warning indeed that the Blues will have to be on the ball, when Atherton visit the Kal Group Stadium. Three players have two goals a piece for Atherton, including Jordon Scanlon (who scored twins in the win over Bradford Park Avenue), Josh Solomon-Davies & midfielder, Dylan Moonan

Match Day Programme

New boss, Russ Wilcox adorns the cover of the Matchday Programme as he takes charge of the side for the first time. Inside, we hear his thoughts, as well as those of captain Dylan Cogill & Co-Chairman John Myskiw. Steve Andrews & Phil Anderson provide their regular contributions, as Steve dives under his bed to dig out a couple of programmes from years gone by. Phil continues with his View from Carlilse Street – which will soon be adorned by the Kal Group branding, as part of their new commercial partnership.

We have photos inside from the excellent Russell Dickens, capturing our fine victory over Stamford in the Lincolnshire County Cup last weekend. As ever, we are grateful to him providing images of the Holy Blues! There is also plenty to read about our opposition, as Rob Clarke at the Colls provides us with the most up to date information from the Skuna! Available to purchase for £2.50 at the turnstiles. Grab one before they’re gone!

Match Sponsors

We start a new managerial era with a full accompaniment of sponsors for Saturday’s game. As ever we are eternally grateful to those businesses who back the Holy Blues in whatever ways they can. The football club as a whole would like to express our gratitude to the Gold, Silver, Bronze and Match Ball sponsors

Gold - Kerry Taste & Nutrition
Silver - Wright Vigar
Bronze - Crooked Billett Nomads
Match Ball - Darren Ashley

We hope you all enjoy the Matchday Hospitality Package, and by ten to five, you can be heading over to the Blues Club, to celebrate three massive points. Anyone wishing to sponsor future games, and would like more details on how to go about doing this, should contact Director, Geoff Holmes, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – and you too could be treated to some superb hospitality prior to the game, and prime seats in the Ping Stand to watch on as the Holy Blues look to rise up the table.

Get along to the Kal Group Stadium. Supporters old & new. See in a new era with Russ Wikcox at the helm, encourage your family members, your friends who may not have been for a while - even people you know are football fans but haven't been along in what seems like an age. This is your local non league club - and we need you on the terraces and in the stands - making an atmosphere to be proud of!

Elsewhere

Elsewhere in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, there is a full scheldue of fixtures. Bottom of the table Basford United make the trip to Hyde United having not only replaced their manager in midweek, but also their Chairman. Rudy Funk taking over as Chair at next weekend’s opponents.

Warrington Rylands’ trip to Matlock looks an interesting one to me on paper, and I also fancy a slip up for Radcliffe, as they welcome Worksop Town to the Neuven Stadium. It may be the first points dropped for the side that have opened up a seven point lead on second placed Lancaster City.

The fixtures in full are here:

Bamber Bridge vs Morpeth Town
Bradford Park Avenue vs Workington AFC
FC United of Manchester vs Whitby Town
Guiseley vs Ashton United
Hyde United vs Basford United
Lancaster City vs Ilkeston Town
Macclesfield vs Stafford Rangers
Marske United vs Marine
Matlock Town vs Warrington Rylands
Radcliffe vs Worksop Town

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)