So far, Russ Wilcox’s men have beaten Club Thorne and Bottesford Town, drew to Lincoln United and League One Barnsley, and suffered defeat to Scunthorpe United. Sheffield United will make the trip from the Steel City to North Lincolnshire with a youthful side, preparing for a campaign back in the EFL after being relegated from the Premier League last season.
Among the Blades' ranks is a youngster with a familiar surname: Zach Giggs, son of former Manchester United winger and Wales national team head coach Ryan. He spent some time in the youth ranks of his father’s former team, but crossed the Pennines to the White Rose county last summer. The 17-year-old is capable of playing on either flank, and has started to hone his trade as a wingback. Hoping to feature in the Trinity team will be Cody Collins, who recently confirmed a return to DN21. New signing Edwin Essel made his switch to Gainsborough official too, after a trial period during Trinity’s pre-season campaign.
Wilcox’s troops come into Saturday’s game after an impressive 3-3 draw with Barnsley in midweek, with Declan Howe sparkling and picking up the match ball thanks to a fine hat trick. Trinity were 3-1 to the good, before the Reds eventually equalised from the penalty spot in what turned out to be the last kick of the game. While results don’t matter in pre-season, Gainsborough wil
l be hoping for another positive performance in their penultimate friendly, as the season’s curtain raiser on August 10 draws ever closer.
Boss Wilcox insisting, "It’s going to be a really tough challenge. They are outstanding at U21 level. I know Mickey Collins from my Scunthorpe United and York City days. I think they have won their league the last three years, and the cup as well. They’ve got some really good players that it will be good for us to have a look at their players and what is available, like we had a look at Barnsley on Tuesday night. We’re really looking forward to this game. We know it will be a good challenge, but that’s what we need. Really tough challenges, without the ball, as well as with it. I think up until now, pre-season has been really good."
And here’s hoping that continues, when the Blades come to the Kal Group Stadium.
Programme
The Pre-Season edition of the programme will once again be on sale, priced at £2.50, containing plenty to read about Saturday's opponents. Our former number one Henrich Ravas, and a few other bits besides. All neatly finished in a new design and available to purchase on the gate, or through our friends at Matchday Creative (please be aware that additional costs for postage and packing will be incurred).
Tickets
Grab yourself a ticket ahead of the game. Even if you can't make the game, at just £10 each (adults), if you can buy a ticket and support your local non-league team, we would be incredibly grateful! Of course, we would love it even more if you were to come along and witness first-hand the delights of the Northolme. The oldest single use football ground in England. And fall in love with an old school ground, with the best grass pitch at our level. Yes, we’re biased! But if you don’t believe us, head across. Make a day of it, and watch some great football too! Our last two home friendlies have averaged seven goals, so you can’t say there’s a shortage of action! Buy your tickets online today, and save queues at the turnstiles.
Preview by Jamie Johnson and Rob Hughes
Accompanying images by Bryan Pye