Trinity fielded their sixth goalkeeper in six pre-season matches, with the youngster acquitting himself well. Elliott Whitehouse started his first game of pre-season, going on to complete 65 minutes. Ashton Offler partnered Harrison Beeden at centre back, registering his first ninety minutes, as Russ Wilcox was able to manage his side's minutes.
A difficult playing surface & eager to please opposition, made for a lively game - that perhaps lacked in quality - but was made up for in spirit. At the back, Beeden & Offler dominated in the air. And with the added insurance of Whitehouse, sitting just in front Six minutes in, Harvey Sutcliffe sent a long ball forward, that Connor Brown gave chase to. Ben Townsend came rushing out, before being caught in two minds. The former Lincoln United man dispossed the 'keeper, but with angle & pitch against him, he soon found himself outnumbered. Steels' defenders surrounded him. And the opportunity was gone.
Javelle Clarke was certainly up for it. Several jinxing runs. Fast feet & keeping defenders on their toes. Following one dancing feet moment, he found Whitehouse, who crashed the right hand upright from twenty yards. Elliott was getting stuck in. Soon after hitting the post, he was back on defensive duties, blocking a ferocious effort from far out.
Theo Williams looked to use his pace, spinning
in behind. The tug of his shirt halting his progress, as he looked to get away. From the freekick, Fraser Preston got the ball up and over the wall, but with Townsend beaten, the bar reverberated off the crossbar.
Half Time: Stocksbridge Park Steels 0 Gainsborough Trinity 0
Six minutes into the second half, the Trinity trialist goalkeeper's handling was tested. A long range dipping effort, was watched all the way into his gloves. And shortly afterwards, the Holy Blues were in front. George Hornshaw steering home from just inside the box - and giving the visitor's the lead. Jacob McLoughlin went on a surging run down the right hand side, that helped Trinity get up the pitch. Connor Brown did well to win a throw & Sutcliffe tried his luck, but trouble the Steels' goalkeeper.
Substitutions punctuated the game, as Lewis Butroid was presented with an opportunity. Cutting back inside, he couldn't quite find the far corner, after excellent vision from the young trialist attacker, to pick him out.
Trinity turned over possession well & countered through Williams & Hornshaw. The move ending with a smart turn and shot, as the youngster continued to catch the eye. The trio of trialists were looking to get involved in the final third - as one saw an effort tipped over the bar & another effort well held, as the right winger (against his former side) unleashed a fierce effort. Both teams continued to huff and puff in the heat. A little niggle started to creep in, as one or two challenges went unpunished, but having come through the penultimate test - the new season is little over a week away.
Team Line Up
Gainsborough Trinity: Trialist, Harvey Sutcliffe, Jacob McLoughlin, Elliott Whitehouse (Trialist 65), Ashton Offler, Harrison Beeden, Javelle Clarke (Trialist 69) Jordan Helliwell (George Hornshaw 46) Theo Williams, Connor Brown (Trialist 69) Fraser Preston (Lewos Butroid 65)
Words & Images: Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)