Wilcox was again without recognised first choice goalkeeper Callum Hawkins, and experienced midfield duo Elliott Whitehouse & Bobby Johnson, for the first home game of the pre-season schedule. At least one of those expecting to get minutes on Saturday, when Doncaster Rovers visit the Kal Group Stadium. Whilst Aaron Simpson was unavailable.

Naming three trialists in their starting line up, it was a fairly low key opening quarter of an hour, as both teams sounded each other out. Halifax with more of the possession, Trinity looked to keep a good defensive shape - on fourteen minutes, the Holy Blues had their first sight of goal. Jordan Helliwell skipped down the left hand side, before finding Theo Williams. Williams found the available Preston inside & he curled a yard over the top of the bar.

Halifax retorted. The impressive Dylan Crowe worked a short corner, before curling an effort of his own narrowly over the bar. Trinity's trialist 'keeper was called into action twenty minute in, when Crowe was freed down the Halifax right. Finding Cody Johnson with his cut back. The goalkeeper did well, to get down to his left.

Midway through the half, Helliwell had to block another inventive corner at the near post, as the visitiors ramped up the pressure. The commanding 'keeper was called into action again just before the visitors did break the deadlock. Zak Gilsenan opened the scoring following a smart give and go on the edge of the Trinity box, before finding the bottom left hand corner.

Shortly after going behind, Williams did well to hold up the ball, allowing Trinity to get up the pitch. Preston then couldn't quite bring the ball under his spell after another positive move involving Helliwell & midfield partner George Hornshaw. Winning a freekick on the stroke of half time, Preston stepped up to curl the ball over the wall - but his effort was flicked over the bar by Halifax's debutant 'keeper True Grant. Harrison Beeden seeing his shot, from the resulting corner, charged down.

Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 0 FC Halifax Town 1

A bright start to the second half almost yielded an instant equaliser. Lewis Butroid's free kick found Jack Leckie arriving around the back, but his rising effort cleared the bar. His blushes spared with the late flag of the Assistant Referee. Connor Carty, the big striker up top for Halifax saw a couple of shots, in quick succession, blocked by Beeden, as the backline stood firm.

And on the hour, Wilcox swapped Williams with young striker Connor Brown. Hornshaw forcing a save low to Grant's right, after Helliwell had done well to force a hurried clearance Gainsborough were started to grow into the game. And when Ash Jackson bombed down the left hand side, he provided a really good outlet. Getting to the by line, he was able to get his head up, and pick out the run of skipper, Lewis Butroid. Butty took the ball under control - but leaning back - his finish lacked the composure needed to hit the target & make the 'keeper work.

Brown upped the intensity, his battling qualities ensuring the visiting defence had little time to dwell on the ball, but a quick break away on the counter attack threatened to punish the Blues. The 'keeper making a good stop to keep the scoreline within one. Moments later though, the visitors did have their second, when Trialist F riffled into the roof of the net.

The Holy Blues again responded and pressed for a way back into the game. Substitute Ashton Offler released Preston on the right, he found Brown with his back to goal. A smart shot on the turn forcing the save from the Halifax 'keeper. Who grasped the ball at the second attempt, with Clarke looking sharp inside the box.

Trinity did halve the deficit, when Brown slid in to meet Sutcliffe’s ball across the face of goal. The former Leeds United full back, had shown great endeavour on the overlap, in support of Preston. His release was timed to perfection & Sutcliffe was able to deliver on the run. A well-worked team goal and the hosts, were deservedly on the scoresheet.

Trialist G restored the visitors two goal advantage, finishing high into the top corner, from the edge of the box. And almost added a fourth with a cruelly deflected effort that changed direction twice, before being held safely by the Gainsborough goalkeeper.

The Holy Blues were once again rewarded for their efforts, Clarke & Brown working tirelessly, to press the ball high up. Javelle sliding in, to keep Trinity in possession. He found Preston, who looked to send an effort goalwards. Blocked enroute by a Halifax hand – the Referee pointed to the spot. Skipper, Lewis Butroid stepped up from twelve yards – and found a way past Halifax’s second half substitute goalkeeper. Again reducing the arrears to just the one. In what was virtually the last action of an entertaining evening’s action.

Attention now turns to the visit of League One side, Doncaster Rovers, in the 4pm game on Saturday, as preparations for the new season continue. Come on down to the Kal Group Stadium on Saturday – where rumour has it – you’ll also be able to get your hands on the 2026/27 Home, Away & Third shirts! You heard it here first!

Gainsborough Trinity: Trialist, Harvey Sutcliffe, Ashley Jackson, George Hornshaw (Jacob McLoughlin 65), Jack Leckie, Harrison Beeden (Ashton Offler 71) Lewis Butroid, Jordan Helliwell (Trialist #18 71) Theo Williams (Connor Brown 60) Fraser Preston, Javelle Clarke

Words: Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images: Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)