Ilkeston, just four points above Trinity, are coming off the back of some poor form themselves with just one victory in their last seven. Gainsborough will be hoping to get back to winning ways and apply further misery for Ilkeston. Ilkeston do have players who Gainsborough will need to be able to contain, one of which being star striker and fan favourite Jamie Walker. Walker has scored 12 this season and has scored over 50 goals for the Robins. Despite not scoring in his last 3, Walker is not a player to underestimate and the defence needs to be up for the task.
Another key player for our opponents is their captain, experienced and versatile midfielder James Perch. The 38 year old can play in defence as a right back or centre back but is mostly known as playing as a number 6, conducting the midfield.
Perch has played at a very high level in his career starting off at Nottingham Forest where he made up to 190 appearances netting 12 times after coming through this youth. He then made a move to Newcastle United where he spent 3 years of his career scoring just 1 goal in his 65 appearances. After moving to clubs like Wigan Athletic and Queens Park Rangers, he then moved to Scunthorpe United where he spent 2 years making 71 appearances scoring 4 before a move to Mansfield before going to our opponents in the summer. His leadership and experience in the hig
her levels of the football league could be an advantage for our opponents today.
But what we can bring to the table? A man in form for the Holy Blues is Javelle Clarke, the man of the match for Gainsborough on Saturday was Trinity’s standout player. During his efforts to inspire a comeback last week he was a massive problem for FC United and was extremely difficult for them to defend against towards the end of the 2nd half.
Clarke also bagged last week on Tuesday on our trip to Hyde. The other man who scored that game is our top scorer this season Declan Howe. Howe will be looking to bag again today to help the Blues get all three points, something we haven’t done in three weeks, and with a trip to Whitby on Tuesday this could be the perfect time for the Blues to start a winning streak.
Sponsors
We look forward to welcoming another set of amazing sponsors for our match against Ilkeston Town. Greetings to our Silver, Bronze and Ball Sponsors as detailed below. From all at the football club, we hope you enjoy your hospitality at the Northolme, and can celebrate after the game when the Holy Blues secure all three points.
Silver: Stuart Allbones, Dave Lane, Mark Bellamy and Glen Peniston
Bronze: Humber Security
Ball: Bradshaw Transport
Tickets
Admission Prices for the game are £13 adults, £9 concessions, and U16s £5. Through our online ticketing portal, individual tickets can be purchased. Also, for anyone looking for even more value for money, our amazing deals on Half Season Tickets are on sale now! Giving great savings compared to the On The Gate Prices. You could be paying as little as £9 a game through an adult season ticket, plus having the option to purchase a free U12 season ticket at the same time. For more details check out the ticketing portal here.
Programme
Inside our action packed Match Programme, Dayle Southwell is the cover star, while Lewis Butroid dishes the dirt on some of his former team mates and his current crop of colleagues! It's certainly one not to be missed! James Whitbread, a student at John Leggott College writes his first article for the programme, whilst regulars Phil Anderson and Steve Andrews share the View from Carlilse Street and From Under the Bed, respectively. Co-Chairman John Myskiw pens his column as he shares news of a renewed working relationship with the Youth and Women's setup, boss Russ Wilcox and Skipper, Dylan Cogill share their thoughts from within the camp. All that, and so much more, all for £2.50. Grab your copy ahead of the game.
Elsewhere
With the FA Trophy Third Round also on this weekend, there are only eight other Pitching In Northern Premier League clashes, with two sides still involved in the FA Trophy, there's certainly plenty of action around the grounds! Radcliffe host Redditch United in the FA Trophy, while Macclesfield travel to Vanarama National League North side Curzon Ashton. Meaning a free weekend for Lancaster City and Matlock Town.
Basford United vs Ashton United
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Atherton Collieries
FC United of Manchester vs Marine
Hyde United vs Bamber Bridge
Marske United vs Worksop Town
Warrington Rylands vs Stafford Rangers
Whitby Town vs Guiseley
Workington AFC vs Morpeth Town
Preview by James Whitbread and Rob Hughes
Photo credit: Russell Dickens (@bozola900)