But to be fair, Russ Wilcox’s men have enjoyed the distractions of the cups, reaching the First Round Proper of the Emirates FA Cup, knocking out Lincolnshire rivals Boston United 4-0 in their own backyard, and similarly sending Southern League Central leaders’ Kettering Town packing. The Blues will be looking to continue their fine cup form with another win, this time at Shawbridge, when they take on the side 34 miles North West of Manchester. The Lancashire based outfit beat Lancaster City of the NPL Premier Division to meet Trinity in this round.
They sit 13th in the league below, on the same number of points as next Saturday's Cup opponents, having played a game more. Of their eleven league games, they have won four, drawn four and lost three, scoring 22 (2 goals a game) and conceding 18 (1.64 per game). Vernon Parny, Louis Potts and the physically imposing Sefton Gonzales are just three of the Clitheroe side to look out for and combat as the Blues look to book their place in the hat for the next round. This tie is settled on the day. Should the tie finish level after ninety minutes, the game will go straight to a penalty shootout.
In what has been a sparse month 
in terms of league games, Gainsborough Trinity have seen their focus taken by their continued involvement in two cup competitions, the Emirates FA Cup and the Isuzu FA Trophy, with boss, Russ Wilcox, admitting:
"This weekend we have another important game in the FA Trophy where we travel west to Clitheroe. It will be another tough test but with your backing we can progress to the next round. Your support at Boston was outstanding, it really inspired us all, so please make the long journey to get behind your team again."
And the message Russ left ringing in the ears of the Trinity faithful, "Your support is vital to the progression of your club."
The Match
Grab a bargain when travelling to watch the Isuzu FA Trophy, with some really competitive prices! Clitheroe's Shawbridge home is certainly one to visit and tick off on your away day adventures list, so if you can back Russ Wilcox and his boys as they target another cup run, you know it will be appreciated. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £7 for concessions (60 plus), £4 for youths (14-17), £3 for under 14s (unaccompanied) or free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Details for parking are advised by Clitheroe. To find the ground from the A59, turn into to Clitheroe from the Pendle Road junction. Carry on down Pendle Road until you approach Lidl supermarket. Directly opposite is a small terrace of shops and the Factory Shop. To the right of these shops is a cobbled lane with a Clitheroe FC sign which leads you directly to the ground entrance. There is a car park at the entrance but this is for players and match officials only. Do not park in the Factory Shop car park as this closes at 17.00 on a Saturday matchday and you might be locked in. The ground is surrounded with free on-street parking, but please be sympathetic to local residents. There are also several Pay and Display car-parks within easy walking distances. Please be aware of time limits when parking on private car parks.
Elsewhere
Other NPL sides competing in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Proper:
Basford United vs Anstey Nomads
Macclesfield vs Ashton United
Mickleover vs AFC Telford United
Stockton Town vs Newton Aycliffe
Warrington Rylands vs Ossett United
Workington vs Bamber Bridge
Worksop Town vs FC United of Manchester
Northern Premier League Fixtures
A few of the sides knocked out in the Qualifying Round of the Trophy have managed to rearrange league games, and it’s perhaps a chance for Hebburn to leapfrog the inactive Worksop, having beaten them 4-2 at Sandy Lane, the Saturday just gone.
Lancaster City vs Hyde United
Leek Town vs Hebburn Town
Prescot Cables vs Ilkeston Town
Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)