Play-off chasers, Hyde United, Marine & Macclesfield are the other form teams in the table that will give the Blues that belief, coming into the game off the back of two crucial six-pointers that has seen the Blues pocket the maximum return.

In the same six game period, Matlock have picked up seven points from the eighteen available. Wins against Atherton Collieries & FC United of Manchester, and a creditable goal-less draw with Worksop Town at the weekend, will have Matlock also full of confidence as they head into this one…

Let us just hope the ‘Pitch Gods’ are in our favour. This being the fourth attempt to get the game on after much misfortune in getting the game played. Particularly, last time that saw the game fall victim to a pitch inspection an hour before kick off, when the match official arrived at the Proctor Cars Stadium. Matlock have played at home since that postponement, we just have to be hopeful that too much damage wasn’t done with Saturday’s subsequent downpour.

Former Trinity full back, Joe West (34 games) has been a regular for the Gladiators this season. Regularly playing alongside another former Blue in Ioan Evans (33 appearances in all competitions). Michael Williams, one of the Curtis Woodhouse class, who returned to Matlock in late November. Meaning there are plenty of familiar faces when visiting our local-ish neighbours. Another of the former Gainsborough players on the books down Causeway Lane is former skipper Andrew Wright, though he has been out on loan at Long Eaton United.

Looking ahead, to Gainsborough’s squad options, and Russ Wilcox will be pleased to have a selection headache, with options to change things around as he sees fit. All three substitutes made impacts coming off the bench on Saturday. Fraser Preston instrumental in the opening goal. Bobby Johnson pulling the strings and demonstrating his creativity and eye for a pass to unlock the opposition defence. And Joe Stacey finding the net minutes after coming on – the options at his disposal, something he has been working on – since coming to the football club.

Things are certainly looking up for the Holy Blues – here’s hoping we can add to away victories over Workington, Guiseley & Atherton Collieries, with three points on Tuesday against Matlock. And in doing so – leapfrog our hosts.

If you are unable to make the trip to Derbyshire tomorrow evening, please check out Gainsborough Trinity Radio on Mixlr. The free to listen to radio station, hosted by Rob Hughes & with a special guest from Matlock. i am sure you will be sufficiently entertained, as we bring you play by play commentary – and a bit of non-league chatter too!

Elsewhere

There are just two fixtures in total in the Pitching In Northern Premier League on Tuesday night. As well as the Holy Blues' trip to Matlock; stuttering Ashton United host Macclesfield at Hurst Cross. Ashton will be looking to reduce the gap, with the side occupying the final play-off spot, to four points.

Ashton United vs Macclesfield FC
Matlock Town vs Gainsborough Trinity

Preview by Rob Hughes
images courtesy of Guiseley AFC & Lewis McKenna (FC United of Manchester)