As if last season’s 4-0 thrashing of Boston United in the Fourth Round Replay wasn’t enough (after an 90+8 minute equaliser to send that one to a replay) Trinity were taken to a replay by Hartlepool on Teesside, in bizarre circumstances. The part-timers went on, to defy the odds against the side ranked 42 places higher in the pyramid. Went toe to toe – and recorded an impressive 3-1 win, in Hartlepool’s back yard. A satisfying victory, that could have been a bigger winning margin too – as to a man, Trinity were outstanding.

Three changes to the side that started on Saturday, saw George Hornshaw in for Aaron Simpson, missing due to work commitments. Adam Crookes came in at full back, in place of the unfortunate Ashley Jackson & Sisa Tuntulwana continued, where he left off, up top, in place of the injured Jonny Margetts.

Hartlepool made the early running, as Trinity took a little time to settle into their surroundings. Despite the Monkey Hangers having lots of the ball, David Robson was rarely troubled. Will Lancaster and Harrison Beeden once again providing the Blues with a solid foundation. Wide on the right, Pools youngster Kian Foreman was seeing a lot of the ball, but he didn’t have much of a target to aim for. And despite winning a handful of early corners,

Trinity looked the more dangerous on the counter. Jordan Helliwell had the clearest opportunity inside the opening ten minutes, when he forced a good save out of Millwall loan goalkeeper George Evans. A strong parry sending the ball behind for a corner. Trinity looked to take the sting out of the game, after Robson did well to claim a high cross into his box. Relieving the pressure at the back, Beeden, Lancaster and skipper Bobby Johnson kept the ball well at the back & that calmness and composure gave Trinity confidence.

The long ball up to Tuntulwana was well controlled by Sisa, bringing Lewis Butroid into play. Sisa was able to spin and get on the front foot. Driving Trinity forward, he curled home a superb right footed effort to open the scoring. Less than ten minutes later, Tuntulwana could have made it two, but his left-foot finish this time, thumped the wrong side of the upright.

Trinity were playing with confidence. Hornshaw was invited forward from right back. Encouraged to shoot by the Gainsborough faithful, he opted for the pass. Found Fraser Preston, who made room for himself, before bending into the top right hand corner of Evans’ goal to give the yellows a two goal advantage.

When Butroid looked to pull the trigger, he saw his effort from the edge of the box well blocked, but Trinity’s swashbuckling, battling play, had Gainsborough in the driving seat at the break.

Half Time: Hartlepool United 0 Gainsborough Trinity 2

Just five minutes into the second half, Preston had his second and Gainsborough’s third of the game. Curling a superb freekick into the postage stamp. Evans had no chance – and Trinity had a three goal cushion.

Wilcox’s men were full of running. Tight and compact. Landing on second balls. Fearlessly defending their box, and continuing to threaten at the other end. Javelle Clarke seeing an effort drift wide after good possession in the Hartlepool half. Before, with the bit between his teeth, Tuntulwana drove in off the right side. With Helliwell up in support, full of confidence Sisa took the shot on, which Evans dealt with comfortably at his near post.

The big man, Vadaine Oliver was thrown on for Pools, but he picked up a caution, for a lunge on Robson, as the Trinity ‘keeper was out to smother a loose header back. Luke Charman did get one back on 90 minutes, before Trinity saw out seven added minutes confidently, keeping their higher ranked opponents at arms length.

To a man – the side had carried out Russ Wilcox’s plan to the letter. And with that, the 147 visiting supporters could celebrate with the team, booking their sides’ place in the First Round Proper for the second consecutive season. An eighteen year first.

League Two side Accrington Stanley the opposition the Holy Blues will face, on the weekend of November 1st. A busy schedule awaits for Trinity first, but cup fever is certainly set to hit the small Lincolnshire town, with huge hearts and a hunger for another cupset!

The Teams

Hartlepool United: George Evans, Jay Benn, Jamie Miley (Nathan Ferguson 75) Luke Charman, Nathan Sheron, Bes Topallaj, Matty Daly (Vadaine Oliver 60) Danny Johnson (Jermaine Francis 50) Brad Walker (Andy Campbell 50) Kian Foreman
Subs not used: Michael Dacosta Gonzalez, Alex Reid & Adam Smith g/k
Goal: Luke Charman 90'

Gainsborough Trinity: David Robson, George Hornshaw (Jakub Kruyszenski 84) Adam Crookes (Ashley Jackson 84) Bobby Johnson, Will Lancaster, Harrison Beeden, Lewis Butroid, Jordan Helliwell, Sisa Tuntulwana, Javelle Clarke (Frank Mulhern 87) Fraser Preston (Jacob McLoughlin 68)
Sub not used: Ollie Sykes g/k
Goals: Sisa Tuntulwana 16'  Fraser Preston 40 & 49