Ashton United are looking to build on their form after appearing to have turned a corner in their season. Ashton had won just one game in their last nine, but after recording a fantastic result against surprise outfit Lancaster City 5-0, they went and beat Worksop 2-0 and are looking to build on these good wins. Just six points away from the play offs, Ashton clearly have promotion hopes and with both sides in form it is set to be a fascinating clash.
In the reverse fixture neither side came out on top as we battled out a 2-2 draw as Bobby Johnson and Declan Howe netted for us. A memorable game for both sides last season has to be when we beat Ashton 2-0. Just two games after the game the Robins put out a humorous statement approaching Manchester City with an offer for their star striker Erling Haaland with a 28-day loan offer, and mentioned (speaking to ashtonunited.co.uk after the defeat to Gainsborough Trinity) then Robins’ manager Michael Clegg said: “It just makes sense. City are not playing, and we want to help by keeping Erling fit, it makes more sense than him playing golf for six weeks. We think he will be a great fit for us,and would slot in with our squad dynamic really well.” Unsurprisingly the deal didn’t materialise!
When it comes to away days, Ashton United have proved to be one of the toughest places to go this season. The 
Robins' have lost just two games at home all season and have claimed 31 points from a possible 45, with the 6th best home record, seven points away from the best home record in the division, having played less home games than the other five teams.
Despite Trinity struggling on the road in the second half of 2023, the improvement since the turn of the year has been incredible! Winning our last three away days and four of our past five, two of the five games including last minute winners, proving Trinity’s newfound, never-say-die mentality!
Trinity will be looking for more great travelling support this week as we look to get another victory and continue the climb up the Pitching In Northern Premier League table. Those looking to make the journey to Hurst Cross, it's £12 adults, £8 Concessions & Under 12s are in for a Quid! Tickets can be bought in advance online, or on the gate, with cash or card options available! The Surrey Street turnstile is open from midday, with the Cross Bar showing live Emirates FA Cup football & welcoming both home and away supporters pre & post match.
Goalkeeper Dave Robson could again feature between the sticks for Trinity... and if he does, it will be the first time he has played at the same venue more than once in Gainsboroigh colours! Either way, the form of both himself & Dylan Wharton will be giving boss Russ Wilcox sleepless nights as he looks to choose between two in-form goalkeepers!
Come along & find out how everything unfolds. And if you can't make it to Greater Manchester, Rob will have you covered with full match commentary on Mixlr from five to three. So, unable to make it - you're still able to be a part of the Gainsborough Trinity family - home - or away!
Elsewhere
Atherton Collieries vs FC United of Manchester
Basford United vs Matlock Town
Ilkeston Town vs Hyde United
Marine vs Guiseley
Morpeth Town vs Lancaster City
Stafford Rangers vs Radcliffe
Warrington Rylands vs Bamber Bridge
Whitby Town vs Bradford (Park Avenue)
Worksop Town vs Macclesfield
Workington are this weekend's missing Marske fixture thus weekend, ahead of our home game against the Reds a week on Saturday.
Preview by Rob Hughes & James Whitbread