Trinity boss Russ Wilcox brought Charlie Parks & Jordan Helliwell back into the starting eleven, with Fraser Preston & Jonny Margetts starting on the bench for the Blues. Frank Mulhern was back in the matchday squad, alongside Grimsby loanee Henry Brown. In the big team news for Hednesford, giant centre back Olly Harrison missed out, with an apparent side strain.
Trinity, attacking the Stuart Horsley Stand end in the first half, started the brighter. Dominating the opening quarter of an hour, but failing to force Tony Breeden into any meaningful action. The closest the Holy Blues coming, was the clever movement of Theo Williams, that saw him get in behind. He flashed an inviting ball across the face of goal, that Parks couldn’t convert, as he arrived at the back post.
The best chance of the half fell to Montel Gibson. McLoughlin was caught in possession, but the striker rather telegraphed his finish. And David Robson spared the blushes of the young defender. Diving low to his left to keep the scores level. As an interesting battle developed between Parks and Taylor down the near side, Parks looked to get forward from his unfamiliar wing back role.
Just before the half hour mark, with the game finely balanced, Referee Morris seemed to award a foul, against Helliwell. Indicating a foul, for the contact on Liam Kinsella, he seemed to seek 
advice from his Assistant, before pointing to the spot. Despite the protests, the decision remained, Ashley Jackson booked for his protests (a booking that would become costly, later). Rose stepping up, to send Robson the wrong way, from the spot.
Max Sheaf was carded for a lunge on George Hornshaw, in the middle of the park, as the visitors demeanour changed. Rose seeing a couple of efforts blocked in quick succession. Parks first, and then Robson - but neither 'keeper were really troubled - despite the endeavours of both sides. Hednesford looking nervy with balls into the box, but just about managing to spirit the ball away from danger, in the knick of time. The Blues could certainly go in at the break knowing they were still well in the game - just disappointed not to have worked the goalkeeper frequently enough.
Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 0 Hednesford Town 1
A delayed start to the second half meant a later than anticipated finish to the game, and despite the delay, it was the visitors who settled quicker after the restart. Trinity struggled to get out in the opening minutes, but Jack Leckie did well. He matched Rose stride for stride, before making a smart block, as the striker looked to pull the trigger.
Just seven minutes into the second half, Wilcox turned to his bench. Introducing Henry Brown, the highly thought of Grimsby product, Quickly, he looked to get on the ball. And was determined to make things happen. Immediately looking to get Trinity on the front foot. His probing led to Tuntulwana and Helliwell combining with a tidy give and go on the edge of the box - but again Breeden wasn't stretched.
Tuntulwana was causing problems for the visitors. And one surging run down the left, saw him scythed down by Ryan Wynter. The right sided centre back picking up a caution. That was to be Sisa's final contribution. As he was replaced by Frank Mulhern. Helliwell also being replaced by Fraser Preston, as the Blues looked for an equaiiser.
Trinity started to come back into the game. Enjoying a little spell of pressure. Breeden coming through a crowded box, did well to clear away the danger, while at the other end, Joel Taylor's rising effort didn't trouble Robson.
And ten minutes from time, Henry Brown came to life. Jonny Margetts slid in the perfectly weighted ball. And the fleet-footed loan man raced clear. The Pitmen unable to cut out the ball. And the teenage debutant demonstrated a composure that belied his tender years. Even a momentary slip, failed to make him panic. Steadying himself to slot past Breeden. And level the scores.
The ball then fell kindly for Mulhern, as Breeden scuffed a clearance. The Trinity substitute couldn't punish the 'keeper, as he didn't manage to get hold of his effort properly. Margetts then drew the foul from Wynter, on the left. Preston's freekick was attacked well by Leckie, but the ball was taken off his head. George Hornshaw recycling the ball, saw his attempt land on the roof of the net.
With a minute of normal time to play, Gainsborough were reduced to ten men, when Ashley Jackson picked up a second soft yellow. This time for a foul on the touchline. Mr Morris quickly reaching for his pocket. Much to the dismay of the popular Trinity number three. Fresh-legged Margetts, then nearly nipped in behind, as the ten men still believed they could pick up all three points. Breeden just got there ahead of Jonny. And under Margetts challenge, the experienced 'keeper went down.
There was still time, deep into the five added by the Referee, for Jamie Morgan to pop up at the back post. But the roving right wing back couldn't test Robson. And after the final whistle, Max Sheaf found himself in trouble with the man in black, as he picked up a second yellow and subsequent red card. Finishing off a busy afternoon with his cards.
And the first of the eleven games in 36 days for Russ Wilcox's men, finished in a draw. A point on the board, against the much-fancied Pitmen. Certainly one to get the pulse rates up, as now attentions turn to Tuesday night & the Holy Blues' first away game of the year - away at Ashton United. Let's travel well, and close the gap on the play-off spots. Taking advantage of one of the many games in hand.
March on Blue Army!
The Teams
Gainsborough Trinity: David Robson, Charlie Parks (Ashton Offler 72) Ashley Jackson, Jacob McLoughlin, Jack Leckie, George Hornshaw, Lewis Butroid, Jordan Helliwell (Frank Mulhern 67) Sisa Tuntulwana (Fraser Preston 67) Javelle Clarke (Jonny Margetts 72) Theo Williams (Henry Brown 52)
Gainsborough goal: Henry Brown 52
Gainsborough bookings: Ashley Jackson (dissent) Jonny Margetts (foul)
Sending off: Ash Jackson (second yellow, foul)
Hednesford Town: Tony Breeden, Jamie Morgan, Joel Taylor, Chris Hussey, Elliott Johnson, Ryan Wynter, Max Sheaf (Dan Turner 84) Liam Kinsella, Montel Gibson, Omari Sterling-James, Akheem Rose (Dan Trickett-Smith 69)
Subs not used: Simeone Maye, Joss Labadie &Xander Parke
Hednesford goal: Ahkeem Rose 29’ (pen)
Hednesford bookings: Max Sheaf (foul) Omari Sterling-James (foul) Ryan Wynter (foul) Trickett-Smith (foul)
Sending off: Max Sheaf (second yellow, dissent)
Attendance 809
Sponsors Man of the Match: Jack Leckie
Report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)