After the Departure of manager Eaden the Pitmen had clearly elected to dig deep to disrupt the passing football of Trinity and going long. The exciting Hughes, Byrne Worsfold and in particular Wilson were marked men whenever they went anywhere near the ball. Kieran Wells in space blazed high for Hednesford. Green also did well to come out and head clear another route one attack. Reece King's lob, looping over the bar.

A double foul on Worsfold on the edge of the box gave Byrne the opportunity to curl a twenty-yarder but the keeper tipped over for a corner. Green commanded his 18-yard box superbly and freed Hughes but his ball to Byrne hit the body of Wilson. The Gainsborough no10 had been wrestled to the ground off the ball by the unpunishable Racchi who would then go forehead to forehead with Middleton.

Trinity kicked off the second half and quickly earned a corner, Stainfield rose supremely but his effort was headed off the line by Bradley Wells. Wilson almost got to a one on one first but the 'keeper bravely did just enough. A minute of high drama saw O’Hanlon clip the heels of Hannah in the box but the referee waved play on and, while Ben Hughes cross was beaten away for a corner Racchi was shown a red. While he was refusing to leave the field Wilson also saw his marching orders much to the bewilderment and consternation of fans and players alike.

Another foul, this time on Hannah. earned a free-kick. Byrne found Hannah who hit one, first time over the bar from 8 yards. It was to be the last opportunity of the game for the Blues on another day of frustrating decisions at the Northolme.

Teams & Schemes

Gainsborough Trinity:Green, Austin, Davie, Russell, Maguire, Stainfield (C), Byrne, Middleton, Worsfold, Wilson, B Hughes. Bench activity: Hannah (62 for Worfold), Hughes (89 for Byrne), Simmons, Clarke, Evans.

Hednesford Town: Weaver, Vidal, O’Hanlon, Harvey, Lupano, Bailey, Racchi, King, K Wells, Reid, B Wells. Bench activity Fox (62 for Vidal), Curley (84 for Reid), Wright, Hallahan, Lycett.

Att: 812

Report written by Neil Gentleman-Hobbs