Nantwich Town arrive in Lincolnshire in the bottom four, looking to build on Paul Carden’s first victory in charge, last weekend. Like last weekend, the visitors arrive at the Northolme with their third manager of the season at the helm. Unheard of during out time with Nantwich in the Northern Premier League. Normally pillars of stability, Dave Cooke was previously one of the longest serving managers, but following a poor start, he was replaced by Gary Taylor-Fletcher and despite early promise, the duo failed to lift the Dabbers out of the relegation zone. Carden taking over a fortnight ago, and overseeing a narrow loss to Hyde United, before coming from behind to beat Lancaster City at the Weaver Stadium.
Paul Carden is back in work having left AFC Telford United rock bottom of the Vanarama National League North, but in the Northern Premier League, Carden is a well-respected manager, consistently guiding Warrington Town to the play-off places, his best finish in fact, the season the Super Play-Offs were in operation, losing in the Grand Final to Kings Lynn. With the new manager bounce, and Carden’s calibre, Neal Bishop’s young charges will need to be on top of their game to see the Holy Blues emerge with all three points. Both Bishop, and assistant Darryn Stamp have spoken recently about the importance of results over performances, and with eight games 
remaining, that edge will certainly be needed.
In the reverse fixture, the Holy Blues thought they had done enough to secure victory at the Weavers Stadium. Clayton Donaldson netting from the penalty spot, two minutes from time. Only for the hosts on the night, to pop up deep into stoppage time, and earn a share of the spoils, courtesy of Harry Nevin’s late, late strike. Games between the sides are frequently tight, a number of draws seeing the two sides difficult to separate.
Ahead of the game, the sides are separated by twenty-two points, and thirteen places. The Dabbers form away from home, has been marginally better than their home performance. Five of the nine wins coming on the road, but eighteen defeats, and the second fewest goals (behind Atherton Collieries) make the game a potential banana skin.
Team News
Forward, Luther Munakandafa has today joined the Holy Blues on loan from Notts County until the end of the season. Munakandafa cuts short a stay at National League North side Boston United to join Neal Bishop's Trinity play-off charge. Previously spent a successful period on loan at fellow Step 3 side Basford United, Munakandafa will bring pace, energy and directness to the Trinity front line, just in time for the final push. Welcome to the Northolme, Luther!
Match Sponsors
We extend a warm welcome to our amazing Match Sponsors, as Nantwich come to visit. A large party are catered for, as Gold and Silver Sponsors for the game are Cliff Bradley and Sons. Simon Spacey Boys are the Bronze Sponsor, while Lyn Bland is the Match Ball Sponsor.
Leading the teams out as part of her birthday celebrations is Ella-Rarni, who hopes to see Trinity extend their unbeaten run, and climb into the play-off places in the process. She’ll be looking out for her favourite player, Matt Yates! Thank you to all of our sponsors, who continue to make a huge difference to the football club.
Programme
Clean cut and hot off the press, the Gainsborough Trinity Matchday Programme is packed full of all the usual delights. Our First and Last sees us learn a little more about Work Experience youngster Tyrell Sellars-Fleming. Which boots has he always worn? Or what was the last meal the teenage forward cooked? Find out in the programme! Phil Anderson continues his fantastic Gainsborough Trinity A-Z. Steve Andrews dives Under the Bed to bring more content from this weekend in Trinity history. All the facts, stats and figures are up to date for a quick look at the players making this season one of the most memorable in recent memory. And packed full of fantastic Russell Dickens photos of our most recent victory over Warrington Rylands, this week’s edition of the matchday programme is one not to be missed. At only £2.50 and available at the turnstiles, grab yours early to avoid disappointment!
Elsewhere
There’s plenty going on in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, and though focus will remain tightly on the events at the Dave Longstaff Martin and Co Arena, there are some other fascinating games in the league, that will also be worth a look, should the Holy Blues do the business and see off the Dabbers.
Home specialists, Bamber Bridge welcome one of the form sides to the Sir Tom Finney Stadium, when they host Whitby Town. Hyde United face off against leaders South Shields, while Radcliffe and Warrington square off at the Neuven Stadium. With a bumper crowd also expected at Marine, as FC United of Manchester make the visit. I’d not like to be making any predictions this weekend, that’s for sure!
Ashton United vs Atherton Collieries
Bamber Bridge vs Whitby Town
Belper Town vs Lancaster City
Hyde United vs South Shields
Liversedge vs Stafford Rangers
Marine vs FC United of Manchester
Marske United vs Matlock Town
Morpeth Town vs Stalybridge Celtic
Radcliffe vs Warrington Town
Warrington Rylands vs Guiseley
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)