The Holy Blues are looking to get back to winning ways after stumbling to defeat on the road against Lancaster City. Trinity took the lead just two minutes into the game through an early strike from Dayle Southwell. Ten minutes after half time Trinity were pegged back by the hosts. A Sam Bailey penalty, followed by an unlucky winner with just three minutes to play - Jamie Mellen's free-kick cruelly rebounding off the post and in off the back of the stricken 'keeper, Dylan Wharton. The victory for the hosts moving Lancaster up to 8th place in the table.

The Blues fought out a 2-2 draw in our last clash with Hyde. All four goals were netted in the opening 35 minutes, Declan Howe opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the game, though our lead lasted just three minutes when Harry Ditchfield equalised for the hosts in spectacular fashion. Just four minutes laterwe regained the lead as Javelle Clark netted in the 17th minute but 10 minutes before halftime, the hosts equalised again, this time through Harry Bunn. Incredibly, the game against Hyde was the last time Russ Wilcox's men drew! All the way back in November of 2023!

Sitting nine points ahead of us, in the final play-off spot, Hyde are hanging on to their end of season lottery by a thread. Ashton United are level on points, but with a couple of games to take advantage & further back, Worksop are three points behind, also with an expanding game to play. Hyde got back to winning ways on Saturday batting off FC United of Manchester 2-1 after coming from behind. Jack Redshaw equalised three minutes before the break before Ayo Quadri wrapped up the three points.

Before their victory, Hyde had drawn twice and been defeated twice, in the last four league games, causing concern that for the second successive season, Hyde could fall out of the play-off picture in the final weeks of the season! Our opponents have struggled due to their lack of goals in recent matches. Hyde have netted more than one goal in just one of their last seven, and have paid the price for this by dropping points in the table.

With Hyde’s 5th place play off spot in jeopardy with Ashton United waiting to pounce, level on points with Hyde just behind on goal difference, Hyde have it all to lose as Trinity look to throw a spanner in the works of Hyde United’s end to the campaign.

Six players are already signed up & committed to next season as Russ WIlcox continues to mould next seasons squad, whilst continuing to target as high a placed finish in this year's Pitching In Northern Premier League. With Dayle Southwell, Declan Howe and Bailey Conway the three confirmed publicly. The remaining trio, plus any further additions will be announced in due course. So, be sure to keep your eyes peeled across social media, so you don't miss a thing!

We have four cup finals remaining. Two home, two away, starting with Saturday. The test will be tough, but Wilcox's boys will be going all out to pick up as many points as possible. Starting with Saturday at the Kal Group Stadium. Turn up in your numbers. Be loud. Be proud. Make some noise & fill the Northolme with your energy!

Matchday Programme

Ash Jackson graces the front cover of the Matchday Programme for the game against Hyde United, featuring alongside our sponsors for the game. And inside there's lots of super photos, captured by Yetunde Adegoke & Lancaster City's former photographer Phil Dawson. We have a review of the Ladies' Season, which drew to a close last weekend, with Liam McNulty's side sitting top of their table (though other teams are currently playing catch up and trying to topple our Ladies).

We delve behind the scenes, as we catch up with Directors, Lex Harvey-Bryn & Claire Booth who have been out and about representing the football club. Find out where inside the programme this week!

Our fantastic Programme Seller, Trish Hardwick, is our Volunteer Focus this weekend.. as we find out a little about how she got into the role - and how it's a little easier now that she has retired... Plus there's all the usual facts, figures, views from the Boardroom, dugout and the pitch, as we hear from Dave Horsley, Russ Wilcox & Dylan Cogill.

Ticket Information

Remember, tickets can be purchased ahead of the game, by following the link. Both home and away supporters can buy for the same areas, as there is no segregation in place. Adults are priced at £13, Concessions £9, Under 16s £5 and Under 12s Go Free. A large visiting contingent are expected, so if possible, please buy in advance online, to avoid queues at the gates!

Season Tickets are valid for this game. And you are also able to pay on the gate to see the Holy Blues' penultimate home game of the season. Come along & be part of it! Bring your friends, bring your family & enjoy the sunshine, at the home of football!

Elsewhere

End of season decisions can be made at both ends of the table this weekend. Macclesfield failing to win their game away at Basford United will see Radcliffe crowned Champions. Anything less than a win for Stafford Rangers away at the Skuna Stadium will see the Staffordshire side fail to beat the drop.

Ashton United vs Ilkeston Town
Atherton Collieries vs Stafford Rangers
Basford United vs Macclesfield
FC United of Manchester vs Bamber Bridge
Matlock Town vs Guiseley
Morpeth Town vs Worksop Town
Warrington Rylands vs Lancaster City
Whitby Town vs Radcliffe
Workington vs Marine

Preview by Rob Hughes & James Whitbread
Photos by Yetunde Adegoke