As Trinity started with the side that finished in the Emirates FA Cup at the weekend, Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson & Aaron Simpson all started for the Holy Blues in place of Adam Crookes, Frank Mulhern & George Hornshaw. Only the latter was to be named amongst the substitutes. The Holy Blues again without Lewis Butroid, who continues to rebuild his fitness levels.
The Holy Blues made a dream start when Aaron Simpson won back possession high up the pitch, sparking a slick one-touch move. Clarke took a touch, opened up space, and rifled home high past Shane Bland to give Trinity an early lead.
They very nearly doubled their advantage moments later. Sisa Tuntulwana, lively throughout, was inches wide with a curling effort after neat interplay with Jordan Helliwell. The forward continued to cause problems, forcing a strong save from Bland in the 26th minute after a flowing move involving Margetts and Preston.
Trinity dominated the ball for large spells in the first half, with Tuntulwana operating on both flanks and stretching the visitors’ defence. On 28 minutes, he fizzed a low cross into the box that Margetts just failed to control.
Moments later, Margetts returned the favour with a cross of his own, Tuntulwana again involved, but his shot was blocked and Simpson’s follow-up was also denied. David Robson then came to Trinity’s 
rescue at the other end, showing quick reflexes to keep out a close-range effort on 22 minutes — continuing his fine form in goal. He was again alert shortly before half-time, releasing Tuntulwana with a pinpoint ball, but the final touch from Margetts was crowded out by Whitby defenders.
The half ended with Trinity in control but unable to extend their lead. A mention too for Javelle Clarke’s work rate — twice winning the ball back in the midfield to launch attacks as the Blues looked to build patiently from the back. By the break, Trinity had gone 555 league minutes without conceding — a testament to their defensive solidity.
Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 1 Whitby Town 0
The second half saw Trinity in control, but unable to land the killer blow. After the restart, Gainsborough looked to kill the game off. Margetts went close on 49 minutes, dragging his shot wide following good work from Preston and Clarke.
Simpson’s deliveries from the right were a constant threat — a 51st-minute ball across the six-yard box deserved a finish, but no one gambled. Clarke remained the most dangerous outlet, wriggling into shooting positions on multiple occasions, only to be denied by Bland or blocked by desperate Whitby defending. On 72 minutes, he twisted and turned before firing goalward, but Bland stood tall once more.
With the lead still narrow, the final 20 minutes saw a flurry of substitutions. George Hornshaw replaced the industrious Simpson on 79 minutes, while Whitby made a double change in search of an equaliser, introducing Tymon and Harrison.
Despite the pressure, Trinity never lost control. Tuntulwana nearly applied the finishing touch during a bout of pinball in the box, as chants of "Blue Army" rang out from the Carlilse Street Stand. Preston also forced Bland into a routine save with a trademark curling effort from the edge of the area. While the scoreline remained close, Gainsborough Trinity were well worth their victory. Clarke's early goal was the difference, but it was the all-round performance — from the energy of Helliwell in midfield, to the sharp distribution of Robson in goal — that ensured another clean sheet and another three points.
With their unbeaten defensive run now stretching beyond 600 league minutes, the Holy Blues continue to quietly build momentum in the NPL. Ahead of a tough test away at much-fancied Hednesford in the league on Saturday. It’s another quick turnaround in a busy fixture schedule – the Holy Blues are in confident form – but remain firmly grounded. The boss, Russ Wilcox, wouldn’t allow them to be anything but…
The Teams
Gainsborough Trinity: David Robson, Sisa Tuntulwana, Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson, Will Lancaster, Harrison Beeden, Aaron Simpson (George Hornshaw 77) Jordan Helliwell, Jonny Margetts, Javelle Clarke, Fraser Preston
Subs not used: Ollie Sykes, Dan Vanderpuye & Jacob McLoughlin
Gainsborough goal scorer: Clarke 4’
Whitby Town: Shane Bland, Connor Smith, Aaron Haswell, Gary Liddle Nathan McGinley, Harley Dawson, Ronnie McGrath, Adam Gell, Jake Charles (Matt Tymon 78) Donald Chimalilo, Jarrett Rivers (James Harrison 78)
Subs not used: Alex Nelson, Sam Collins, Michael Woods
Sponsors Man of the Match: Javelle Clarke – a constant threat, scored the winner, and epitomised Trinity's pressing and attacking intent.
Match report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook and Tommy Cox