Gainsborough Trinity 1 Stalybridge Celtic 0

Gainsborough Trinity narrowed the gap on the play-offs with a dogged victory at home to Stalybridge Celtic. Ash Worsfold’s close range finish after Will Longbottom, on loan from Doncaster Rovers, shot across goal was too much for Patrick Wharton to handle settled the tie nine minutes from time. Prior to that, chances were at a premium for both sides, in what was Liam King’s first game in interim charge of the home side, Worsfold went close in the first half, following good play by Alex Byrne on the right hand side, just not getting enough on his close range effort.

Details

Two minutes after the break, tricky wing-back Douglas Nyaupembe cut in from the left for Stalybridge and curled an effort half a yard past Jon Stewart’s up right. Joshua Soloman Davies was a threat on the other flank, but with Joe Maguire solid on his return at the heart of the Trinity defence alongside Nathan Stainfield, Gainsborough began to turn the screw. And once Worsfold had broken the deadlock, the shackles came off and Wharton was called into action again, denying Longbottom, from range, after he was released by Simon Russell with a clever ball.

Byrne profited from good play by Worsfold and Middleton, on as a late substitute, but dragged his shot wide of the upright, before Trinity managed the closing stages and turn the corner in what has been an eventful week for the Lincolnshire club.

Man of the Match: Joe Maguire (Gainsborough)
Entertainment Rating: 3/5

Match report by Rob Hughes