Wilcox explaining, "It’s a great opportunity for the young lads to impress us in a very difficult, competitive game against excellent opposition. We’ve had some of the 21s down with us for training, and this is the next step hopefully for them. Please give them your support tomorrow night."
In a massive game for the Holy Blues, a derby against Scunthorpe, at home, is certainly one for the young Blues to look forward to, and we will be hoping this game does not disappoint. The thought of this fearless group of youngsters (who won the treble at their level last season) causing an upset and getting through to the semi-finals of the Lincolnshire County Cup, is something that will motivate each and every one of the group.
Brad Wright admitting, "It’s really exciting for some of the U21s to get the opportunity to finish the year playing a first team game in the County Cup, against Scunthorpe United alongside some of our first team players." He continued, "It's very similar to last year when we went to Grantham and we competed really well, but this time we are on home soil. It’ll be a great occasion for us as staff and players to show what players there are at the club, coming through in what will be a tough, tough test."
One thing that is for sure is Trinity will have to have our work cut out. We seem to struggle defe
nsively from set pieces and if Scunthorpe play a first team squad Jacob Butterfield, 33, is known to cause problems when taking set pieces. Butterfield has netted 8 times from midfield this season and been a danger from dead ball situations. Butterfield can use both feet, and often takes corners, with either foot, showing his quality on the ball. And he isn’t awful at free kicks too, but when he isn’t taking them Scunthorpe’s star striker, Danny Whitehall, 28, is taking them and has scored a few free kicks himself and has netted 13 times this season and is currently Scunthorpe’s top scorer.
Our boys in defence will have to be on the top of their game to keep this duo quiet. Trinity will be looking to make their mark on the game as well after coming back from defeat in Merseyside. Danny Devine perhaps should’ve scored in the first half after not taking a couple of chances, which were promising for Trinity offensively. Butroid on the stroke of halftime netted a well timed equaliser before conceding two goals in the last twenty minutes. Gainsborough creating plenty of chances but in the end just couldn’t finish their chances, maybe on another day the scoreline would be different.
The youthful edge to the Blues, and as touched on, their no fear attitude- sees them come into the game in positive form. Recent victories over Club Thorne (3-1 away) and Retford FC (4-0) will have boosted the youngsters' morale ahead of their biggest test of their fledgling careers. Trinity’s main task will be down to their defence to keep Scunthorpe out and then maybe hit them on the counter attack and cause problems. In times where the Blues are not in great form, the 12th man will be key for Trinity, and support is always widely appreciated by everyone at the club. Have your say on the match today!
Tickets
Advanced tickets can be purchased through our ticketing portal here. Please note, segregation is not in place for this fixture, so the link is suitable for home, away and neutral supporters, wanting to savour an evening of entertainment in a friendly family atmosphere, this is one not to be missed. Online and gate prices have been set in conjunction with the Lincolnshire FA, at £10 adults, £6 concessions and £2 Under 16s.
Elsewhere
There are three games in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, that may grab the attentions of the watching Trinity faithful. Two of the teams beneath the Holy Blues are in action. Atherton Collieries (21st) host Saturday's conquerers Marine (5th). Whitby (10th) with games in hand, welcome Stafford Rangers (22nd) for what is a mamouth midweek journey! And the final game sees this coming Saturday's visitors, Macclesfield (7th) make an even longer journey, to take on Workington (14th). Certainly plenty to keep the league interest ticking over, with a couple of games left before 2023 draws to a close.
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Opposition focus courtesy of James Whitbread (@JW_Journalism)