A solid, yet unspectacular start is perhaps the best way to describe the Dolly Blues' start to the season. Chris Willock certainly has his side organised and difficult to beat. Only a solitary goal, twenty minutes into Extra Time in midweek was enough to half their unbeaten start to the season, as they were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup at the First Round Qualifying stage. Starting the season with a 3-2 win over Basford, the Dolly Blues have drawn the next five in the league. Scoring and conceding three. Fine margins indeed, as their point against Matlock could have been so much more, the Gladiators equalising in the sixth minute of stoppage time, thanks to their goalkeeper, Rogan Ravenhill!
The fact there is only a point and a two goal, goal difference swing, shows the value of winning games, but also the importance of keeping clean sheets. Lancaster strengthened defensively, with the addition of former Whitby Town centre back Harrison Beeden, and still boast a number of the side frequently associated with former boss Mark Fell, despite his departure. Nic Evangelinos is the Dolly Blues' top scorer with two, both goals coming in the opening week of the season.
Dec Howe leads the scoring charts for Trinity with five in eight (all competitions). Lewis Butroid and Will Lancaster both have two goals each to their names, Jordan Helliwell and Joe Stacey
also on the mark for the Blues, meaning the goals are really being shared around in the opening stages of the 2024/25 campaign! It's sure to be two really different sides looking to lock horns in the quest for three points, but who will prevail? Get yourselves along to the Kal Group Stadium on Saturday afternoon to find out!
Programme
The printed Matchday Programme is also a welcome purchase. Packed with interesting articles, fantastic photos, facts and figures, and much, much more. The £2.50 full colour programme represents great value and a timeless reminder of your visit to the Northolme.
Tickets
Tickets are priced at £13 for Adults, £9 for Concessions and £4 for Under 16s. Cash or card payments available on the turnstiles. Plus the opportunity for you to buy your tickets in advance, using our online ticketing portal. Season tickets are valid for this fixture.
Elsewhere
There are a couple of stand out fixtures in the pile for Saturday afternoon, my picks see Guiseley hosting Hyde and Stockton welcoming Macclesfield, the ones not involving the Holy Blues!
Ashton United vs Morpeth Town
FC United of Manchester vs Basford United
Guiseley vs Hyde United
Hebburn Town vs Bamber Bridge
Ilkeston Town vs Whitby Town
Leek Town vs Worksop Town
Mickleover vs Matlock Town
Prescot Cables vs Blyth Spartans
Stockton Town vs Macclesfield
Workington vs Warrington Rylands
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images: Mike Sheridan (Two/Eight)