Trinity boss, Russ Wilcox, was able to name an unchanged starting eleven for Hebburn’s first ever visit to the Kal Group Stadium. The only change in the matchday sixteen seeing Bailey Conway (on his return from suspension) replacing Sisa Tuntulwana, who continues to struggle for fitness, in the closing weeks of the season.

Possession wise, Trinity dominated the first half, deservedly leading at the break. But only by a goal. Jordan Helliwell was first to go close for the Holy Blues, attacking the Stuart Horsley Stand, end in the first half. The industrious midfielder just unable to find the far corner of Daniel Cameron’s goal. The move coming shortly after a prolonged spell of Trinity ball, Javelle Clarke dinking the ball into Helliwell, who allowed the ball to run across his body as he turned on the edge of the box.

Ashley Jackson struck from 25 yards out, after more patient build up play that started in defence, with skipper, Will Lancaster and fellow centre back Charlie Hickingbottom comfortable on the ball and looking to build from the back, Clarke was finding pockets of space, and looking to feed Declan Howe with clever little balls. One little give and go, harshly denied the opportunity to flow to a conclusion, with Helliwell flagged offside, as Butroid looked to recycle the ball from the Gainsborough left.

Fraser Preston then worked hard to keep the ball in play, while dragging centre back Michael Turner into an area he wouldn't want to be. Checking back onto his left foot, Preston delivered into the middle. Finding Lewis Butroid - but he couldn't generate enough power in his effort, resulting in a routine stop for the 'keeper,

On eighteen minutes, Howe’s movement proved too much for the visitors. Preston had the vision to create for Howe, and the Gainsborough’ ten calmly lifted the ball past the advancing Cameron to open the scoring. And off Dec hopped to celebrate his, and Trinity’s opener. An egg-cellent opening goal for the Blues.

Bobby Johnson then released Howe down the left. Cutting in, he saw his shot blocked by Robbie Spence. The visitors hurriedly clearing their lines, only to find themselves back under pressure almost immediately. Jackson was caught as he looked to continue his run. Howe stinging the palms of Cameron – from Clarke’s ball – only to see play pulled back for the foul on Jackson. Johnson’s subsequent freekick deflected over the bar and onto the roof of the net.

Jackson then swung in a cross from the left, that Howe challenged for. And Cameron appeared to carry the ball over his own line – only for the Assistant to keep his flag down. And play was allowed to continue.

The Blues continued to mount pressure on Hebburn. Dec Howe had the choice of bodies in the box, and looked to square the ball for one of the men up in support. Butroid was the man found, but Butty wasn’t to add to his goal scoring tally – this time. His scuffed effort dealt with by the Hebburn defence. Johnson then tried his luck from range. A weak defensive header found the Trinity central midfielder, who took a touch from twenty yards, and struck the dipping volley a yard or so, over the bar.

Preston and Johnson then linked to good effect in the middle of the park, before Preston picked out Howe inside the box. With Aaron Simpson better placed, Howe teed up the full back, still searching for his first goal in Gainsborough colours. But Simpson’s scuffed effort didn’t trouble the Hebburn ‘keeper. Cameron, who was then equal to Preston’s drive from the edge of the box. Howe putting the defence under pressure, the ball fell kindly for Clarke, who cleverly played the ball inside to Preston. Fraser striking the ball well left-footed. But straight at the goalkeeper.

Trinity had created the better of the openings in the first period – but only had the one goal to show for it.

Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 1 Hebburn Town 0

Hebburn showed character, equalising two minutes after the break. Experienced centre back Michael Turner rising highest to power home from Liam Noble’s corner kick. The Hornets looked to build on that, with Joao Gomes a lively threat, going forwards.

Jackson quickly found Howe. He combined with Butroid to fashion a shooting chance. The clever invention not far away from reaping rewards for the top scorer.

David Robson then pulled off a flying stop to keep out Joe Posthill as he cut in off the right, to send an effort arrowing to Robson’s top right hand corner. The former Hull City goalkeeper springing into action, to ensure his side remained in the game. The Hornets felt they had cause for a penalty shortly after, Posthill going to ground softly, with Ashley Jackson the closest Trinity man in attendance.

With that, Russ Wilcox’s men regrouped & with half an hour remaining, began to exert their dominance once again. A cut back from the byline was sent narrowly wide of his own upright by ‘keeper Dan Cameron, before an almighty goalmouth scramble was hacked clear.

Trinity had to remain alert, and Will Lancaster had to superbly execute a sliding challenge to fairly halt Gomes in his tracks, timing his tackle to perfection to the approval of the Carlilse Street terrace. Preston then restored the Trinity advantage, when Howe repaid the first half favour, nonchalantly wafting the ball into the former Scottish Youth international’s path. Cameron with no chance. Fraser profiting from Howe’s persistence.

Javelle Clarke then looked to catch Cameron off his line with an audacious effort, before Dec and Fraser combined again. Preston’s clever cutback finding Bailey Conway. The second half substitute unable to adjust himself in time.

Hebburn were restricted, in the chances they created. Robson rarely troubled in goal for the Blues. Save for a straightforward gather from a shot from distance. Trinity’s final touches at times, not quite golden enough. Though saying that, Dec’s touch was most certainly golden. Two minutes into five added, Howe scored his brace. Lashing home, before cooly celebrating as the Easter Bunny. Conway’s header initially found Howe, who proceeded to play a neat one-two. And round things off, giving the Blues a two goal cushion for the remainder of the five allotted minutes.

Hebburn did press forward again, but the Trinity defence stood firm. Blocking a couple efforts from around the edge of the box, as the visitors lacked that killer sting in the tail. Trinity moving up to seventh, while the visitors dropping perilously close to the relegation trapdoor. The transformation in the two sides fortunes, since Christmas, quite remarkable.

The Teams

Gainsborough Trinity: David Robson, Aaron Simpson, Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson (Jordan Hallam 90+3) Will Lancaster, Charlie Hickingbottom, Lewis Butroid, Jordan Helliwell (George Hornshaw 90+3) Javelle Clarke (Bailey Conway 75) Declan Howe, Fraser Preston (Curtis Durose 90+3) Sub not used: Dylan Wharton

Hebburn Town: Dan Cameron, Robbie Spence, Liam Murray, Leo Robinson, Michael Turner, Matthew Elsdon, Liam Noble, Joao Gomes, Amar Purewal, Olly Martin (Harley Richardson 60), Joe Poshill Subs not used: Kieran Hunter & Daniel Moore

Sponsors Man of the Match: Will Lancaster
Goals (Gainsborough) Declan Howe 18, 90+2, Fraser Preston 63. Hebburn Michael Turner 47
Attendance: 511

Report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Heather King, @heatherrking and Tommy Cox