Lewis Butroid tested George Evans early, while Jonny Margetts’ involvement was cut short after an aerial collision with Tom Parkes. The injury forced Margetts off after 20 minutes, replaced by lively youngster Sisa Tuntulwana. Parkes was soon substituted himself.

Tuntulwana made an instant impact, troubling the Hartlepool defence, particularly towering centre-back Maxim Kouogun. Fraser Preston almost teed up Harrison Beeden, while Max Sheron fired over for the visitors with a rare first-half attempt.

Trinity’s deserved breakthrough came from a moment of real quality. Captain Bobby Johnson’s pinpoint ball found Butroid, who coolly slotted home to give the hosts the lead. The Holy Blues nearly doubled their advantage before the break when Tuntulwana’s header, from an Ashley Jackson cross, was tipped over—though the offside flag had already gone up.

In added time, Robson preserved Trinity’s lead with a brave save at Daniel Johnson’s feet, sending the Holy Blues into the break 1-0 up.

Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 1 Hartlepool United 0

Trinity continued to push after the restart. Preston’s free kick, won through more good play by Tuntulwana, was tipped over the crossbar. Jordan Helliwell worked tirelessly in midfield, but the killer second goal never came. As the game wore on, Trinity’s final ball began to elude them, and they were made to pay in the cruellest of fashions.Harrison Beeden and Will Lancaster were rocks at the heart of the Gainsborough defence. Marshalling the threat of Oliver & Johnson, up top for Hartlepool. But there would be nothing either could do for the equalising goal, when it came.

Substitute Jakub Kryszenski was soon involved in the action, on the right this afternoon. And he released Tuntulwana. With options left and right, the makeshift centre forward went for the former, but his pass lacked the power to send the Blues through on Evans' goal.

In the closing minutes, Ferguson stepped up with a moment of magic to snatch a draw for Hartlepool, though it was tough on a Trinity side that had outworked and outplayed their opponents for long spells. 

A burst from the middle of the park saw Helliwell bring the ball down well, but he was initially forced wide & the opportunity didn't come to fruition. Similarly, in stoppage time, Johnson strode forward purposefully, but he couldn't make the contact he wanted. Dragging his effort wide of George Evans' goal. With the game wide open in the final moments, neither side could find a winner. Sisa's towering header from a late corner, was cleared off the line by Jay Benn to prevent Trinity snatching the late winner their play had deserved. Ultimately meaning both teams will meet again on Tuesday night, to decide who goes through.

Gainsborough are looking to provide a subsidised coach for the replay, Coach Travel costing £10 per person. Please see the Social Media postings for information, or contact Darren Gray directly. It's a quick turnaround - but let's ensure we give Russ and the boys the backing they deserve, as once again, they will look to go toe to toe with the full time professional outfit - this time, in their own backyard!

The Teams

Gainsborough Trinity: David Robson,  Aaron Simpson, Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson, Will Lancaster, Harrison Beeden, Lewis Butroid (Adam Crookes 67) Jordan Helliwell, Jonny Margetts (Sisa Tuntulwana 23) Javelle Clarke (Jakub Kryszenski 78) Fraser Preston (Jacob McLoughlin 78)
Subs not used: Ollie Sykes (GK) George Hornshaw & Frank Mulhern
Goal: Lewis Butroid 37’

Hartlepool United George Evans, Jay Benn, Tom Parkes (Brad Walker 31) Maxim Kouogun (Jack Hunter 79) Danny Johnson (Kian Foreman 59) Luke Charman,  Nathan Sheron, Jamie Miley, Besart Topallas, daCosta Gonzales (Nathan Ferguson 59), Vadaine Oliver
Subs not used: Nicky Featherstone
Goal: David Robson (O.G) 83’

Attendance 1,487

Report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media) Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)