The squad assembled by Neal Bishop and Darryn Stamp have consistently been in and around the play-off equation all season, leading the way with some impressive facts and figures to rival sides with much bigger budgets. Trinity are league leading scorers, and boasting a better goal difference than anyone in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, seeing three goal scorers with double digits, including top marksman, veteran front runner, Clayton Donaldson. Averaging less than a goal a game in the league. With the third fewest goals against in the division, as Assistant Manager, Stamp says,

"It's the mark of a good side that scores goals at one end, and keeps them out at the other!"

Three players also played in all 42 league games, goalkeeper Matt Yates playing every minute of every game, behind the third best defensive in the league. Hopefully he will be able to add to his tally of shut outs in the next seven days! Versatile midfielder Curtis Durose, who started with a bit part in the opening day victory over Warrington Rylands, went on to become a regular contributor of goals and assists, being a popular member of the Trinity squad. The final member of the ever present Trinity is the aforementioned Clayton Donaldson. His 22 league goals seeing him average better than one in two for the Blues!

In all, Neal Bishop had been very loyal to the core of the squad with nine of the squad playing 30 or more times during the season! Every player that has pulled on the blue (or grey) of Trinity during the 2022/23 season has done so, with pride passion and finnese, leading us to our joint best Northern Premier League finish, with the current group of players committed to taking us back to Step 2. Though impressive, and immense pride can be felt of the achievements made by this group of players, they count for little in the single match shootouts that are the play-offs. To emerge victorious and gain promotion back to the National League North, boss Bishop's warning is stark,

"I see the play-offs as a completely different competition to the league. That's what it is. We can look back on the league campaign with pride, but Tuesday night is a brand new competition."

Bamber Bridge finished the campaign in third place, having beaten the Holy Blues at the Northolme back in October, before snatching a share of the spoils in the reverse fixture in February. Liam Waldock netting in the home game, in response to Connor Stanley and Nathan Pond's first half strikes; Durose netting within two minutes of the restart at Iron Gate, only to see Donovon Lescott cancel that one out in stoppage time.

Matchday

Parking at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium Iron Gate is for Players and Officials. Supporter parking is street parking around the ground. Both clubs make the request to park legally, and considerately, avoiding the blocking of access to properties and premises. Due to the nature of the match, a larger crowd than normal is anticipated. Early arrival is advised. Our hosts have advised that their excellent bar will be open to both home and away supporters from 6pm, with a range of hot and cold food available.

No segregation is in place for this match, with supporters free to move around the Sir Tom Finney Stadium. Ticket prices have been set at £12 Adults, £8 Concessions and £2 Under 16s. Cash or card payments are accepted on the turnstiles.

The Sir Tom Finney Stadium
Iron Gate
Bamber Bridge
Preston
PR5 6UU

Commentary

Live commentary from the game, as usual will be provided by your very own Rob Hughes (on Mixlr). Subscribe to the channel to ensure you receive a notification as soon as we go live. Anyone unable to make the game can still be there in spirit, so please try and drop Rob a message during the action. All interaction is appreciated! Usually going live give minutes before kick off, we may even have a few words with supporters and club officials in the build up; more reason to flick those notifications on! Join the 50,000 people who have tuned in since Gainsborough Trinity Radio's formation!

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATMMedia)
Photos by Kate Simmonds (KLS Photography)