There have been some memorable Tuesday night games, from a Trinity perspective, between the two sides! In recent seasons, who can forget the 5-1 demolition at the Northolme, when Rod Orlando-Young went home with the match ball as he grabbed a brace in each half? Or just last season, when Neal Bishop inspired a scintillating 0-6 win at the Turnbull Ground. On a night when eventual top-scorer Clayton Donaldson, wouldn't find the net, his all round game was unplayable. A Jack Dyche double, and goals from Andrew Wright, Curtis Durose, Liam Waldock and Iren Wilson (remember the name?) completed a remarkable night for the travelling Trinity faithful making the midweek pilgrimage.
A two hour journey to the north east coast awaits Wilcox’s side. In search of a win to get them back on track, Trinity will be facing a tough side who have played in the first round of the FA cup this season. The Holy Blues travel to Yorkshire for a big game against a side who have found themselves between the play-offs and mid table, having played three games less than Trinity. Our opponents will be raring to go and will be hoping to avenge their recent struggles where they are without a win in the league in their last three.
Trinity will have to deal with a massive first team blow as we will be without in form Javelle Clarke after he picked up an injury. Subsequently, we will be
hoping, Declan Howe, can get back to form and start firing home. For Whitby, we will have to look out for Jacob Gratton, the 21 year old attacker. He came through Rotherham’s academy and after loans throughout non-league, he finds himself at Whitby. The forward is not one to disregard despite his age, and is top scorer for Whitby. Gainsborough will have to carefully mark the young prospect.
Despite the 1-0 loss on Saturday, helped by the weather, Ilkeston’s Jamie Walker hit a halfway line goal to help his side beat Gainsborough at the Kal Group Stadium. It was a fairly positive showing from Trinity as they created lots of chances despite the absence of Dayle Southwell up top. It just wasn’t their day unfortunately, but things will come together soon for the Holy Blues. And Trinity will be raring to go. Knowing the consequences and the importance of three points on the road.
The Blues have only picked up 4 points in their last 5 games, winning only one of the games. It’s not been an easy last few games though, they’ve lost in form goalkeeper, Luke Jackson, to a hamstring injury. Javelle Clarke has been ruled out for the foreseeable future as he picked up a horror injury against Ilkeston. Dayle Southwell is another on the injury list. Gainsborough now sit 16th but with over half the season left, they won’t be worrying too much. Whitby however have won two of their last five games and losing just one. They sit five places and five points above the Blues with the added advantage of the aforementioned games in hand.
Tickets can be purchased in advance, through the Whitby ticket portal, but please do keep an eye across our social media channels prior to setting off on our midweek sojourn. A pitch inspection is booked in for 12pm, but this may be brought forward if there is further heavy rainfall in Whitby overnight.
Elsewhere
Due to FA Trophy replays, there is a shorter than planned Pitching In Northern Premier League schedule. The other games are listed here:
Ashton United vs Stafford Rangers
Morpeth Town vs Marine
Workington AFC vs Worksop Town
Combined preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media) James Whitbread (@JW_Journalism) and Cian Stringer (@cianstringer_2)