Bobby Johnson was the only change to the starting eleven. The experienced midfielder coming in from the bench to make his first start since Trinity were last at home (against Stockton, on September 21st). Bailey Conway dropping to the substitutes bench, alongside George Hornshaw and Sisa Tuntulwana. New forward, Jack McMenemy missing from the matchday sixteen, on a pre-arranged Fitness Expo, while Lewis Butroid still wasn’t quite right.
Gainsborough nearly had the dream start, when calamitous defending allowed Declan Howe in, but his finish didn’t trouble Alex Mitchell. Both Efe Ambrose and Steven Swinglehurst not succeeding with routine defensive headers, but as Howe looked to round the Cumbrian’s number one - he was forced wide – and got underneath his effort as he looked to punish the slack defending.
In truth, it was a bit of a slow burner. Fortunately though, it was a slow burner for both sides, but at least Trinity weren’t two down by the midway point of the first half – like last week in the Emirates FA Cup.
Trinity were forced into an early change, as Aaron Simpson was forced off. Sisa Tuntulwana the more than capable replacement for the Holy Blues. Dylan Cogill put the hosts in front, a deep cross wasn’t dealt with at the back post, and Cogill took a touch to compose himself, before curling home a sublime opener. The skipper 
with his first goal of the season.
One nearly became two. Bobby Johnson’s punched ball out to the right found Javelle Clarke, and his centre wasn’t far away from finding it’s target. But some good defending at the near post, spirited the ball away from danger.
Just before half time, Steven Rigg saw an effort ruled out, for offside in the build-up, and Trinity weren’t about to look back.
Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 1 Workington 0
Teenager, Sisa Tuntulwana saw an exquisite finish ruled out for a push in the build up, after he controlled Ashley Jackson’s centre from the left. Swivelling to fire home, two minutes into the second period.
Javelle Clarke saw his shot blocked, but Jordan Helliwell was on hand, ramming home his third of the season twenty-seven minutes into the second half, as he gave the hosts a two-goal cushion.
Puppet-master Clarke then danced off the right and linked with Fraser Preston to complete the game in style. Preston’s turn and finish, giving Mitchell no chance, Gainsborough Trinity were able to see out the game and record back to back clean sheets, their first since March, with an overly composed display in front of 721 predominantly happy supporters.
Attention now turns, after a seven day break, to the visit of Chester FC. The Kal Group Stadium the location, when the National League North side come to Gainsborough, in the Izusu FA Trophy.
The Teams
Gainsborough Trinity: Dylan Wharton, Aaron Simpson (Sisa Tuntulwana 19) Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson, Will Lancaster, Dylan Cogill, Joe Stacey, Jordan Helliwell, Javelle Clarke, Declan Howe (Bailey Conway 58) Fraser Preston (George Hornshaw 90+1). Sub not used: Kian Johnson
Workington: Alex Mitchell, Matthew Clarke, Aaron Fitzpatrick (Callum Ball 23) Jake Allan, Steven Swinglehurst (Theo Farquharson 72) Efe Ambrose, Tom Stephenson, Sam Hetherington (Sam Christian 85) Steven Rigg, David Norris, Josh Galloway. Subs not used: Dan Eccles, Jayden Fulton
Gainsborough Goals: Dylan Cogill (27), Jordan Helliwell (72), Fraser Preston (89)
Referee: Anthony Tankard
Attendance 721
Sponsors Man of the Match: Javelle Clarke
Match report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images courtesy of Bryan Pye (@brypye_sport)
Flickr album