In the reverse fixture Basford came out on top and beat us 3-0, a day the Holy Blues will be looking to erase from our minds, though also using as added motivation. Russ Wilcox mentioning in the build up to the game, “After an outstanding effort from the players at Atherton in difficult conditions, we move on to Saturday. Every game in this league is difficult, and this will be no different. We didn’t cover ourselves in any glory in the away fixture, so I am looking for a much better performance. Please come down and support the players. It really motivates them and helps their performance.”

Our opponents have won just two games in their last 16 league games and have won just once in 2024. Basford United and Stafford Rangers have picked up the least points on the road in the league. Both teams have picked up just six points from a possible 42 points.

With Trinity’s strong home form in the league, we go into the game as strong favourites as we look to build on last week's away win. United have conceded 50 goals in the league and have a -20-goal difference the 4th worst in the league and therefore find themselves where they deserve to be. Although Trinity have conceded just two less goals we have also played three less games and will be looking to build on the clean sheet to Atherton Collieries, and continue to solve our leaky defensive issues that has seen us keep three clean sheets in the last five.

The Holy Blues are set to name newest signing Joe Stacey in the matchday sixteen. The 26-year-old has trained with Gainsborough this week, as boss Russ Wilcox looks to build from a position of strength. Bobby Johnson is also available, having served his two match ban.

Meanwhile, Tavonga Kulyea has completed his month loan and returned to his parent club, Doncaster Rovers. We thank Tavonga for his short time with Gainsborough and Rovers for making the move happen. Unfortunately, due to postponements, the youngster found opportunities in blue limited. But the football club will track his progress moving forward, and wish him well in his future career.

Programme

There's a landmark (hopefully) reached and celebrated on the cover. Full back, George Hornshaw is set to make his 100th appearance for Gainsborough in this fixture. There is an in depth interview featuring our Volunteer of the Week, Darren Gray. All action midfielder Bailey Conway is the Big Interview. And there's a lot more to read inside too, including the View from Carlilse Street and a dive into the archives 'From Under the Bed' thanks to Phil Anderson and Steve Andrews' continued support and content.

Sponsors

Forty-four guests are set to join us for our pre-match hospitality. And we are incredibly grateful to have them with us. Our Gold Sponsors, in memory of Pat Lobley and Trevor Bland sees their family and closest friends meet up and reminisce in one of their favourite places, the Northolme. Our Silver Sponsors double up as our back of shirt sponsors on our home shirts, HSR Law. Perhaps Lewis Butroid will be looking for another goal, this time in front of his Monday to Friday colleagues! And finally, our Bronze Sponsors come from Fina Welding Fabrications. All in all, a very diverse group of sponsors, who we hope will thoroughly enjoy their Saturday afternoon with us.

Elsewhere

In a (currently) full on programmes of Pitching In Northern League fixtures, as ever, there's certain to be an afternoon full of twists and turns! The top of the table sees Radcliffe and Marine go head to head, that one promising to be an absolute cracker!

Bamber Bridge vs Atherton Collieries (subject to a 10am pitch inspection)
Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Ashton United
FC United of Manchester vs Warrington Rylands
Guiseley vs Morpeth Town
Hyde United vs Stafford Rangers
Lancaster City vs Workington AFC
Macclesfield vs Ilkeston Town
Matlock Town vs Worksop Town
Radcliffe vs Marine

Preview by Rob Hughes and James Whitbread