A tough run of games in the league, this Fourth Round Trophy clash comes as something of a welcome distraction for the Holy Blues. Boss Russ Wilcox, like the majority of the Trinity faithful, is excited about the upcoming game: "We are all looking forward to the challenge on Saturday when we face National League leaders York City in the Fourth Round of the FA Trophy. What an incredible period for our football club, reaching the Second Round of the FA Cup for the first time in most of our lifetimes, and to reach this Fourth Round stage of the trophy for the first time in 12 years."
"The last few league results have been a disappointment to all of us, but let’s remember after our performance at Harrogate we then won four games on the trot. We are trying to build something special at this football club but things take time. Think back to when I arrived in September 2023, when we were sat in the relegation zone. We made much needed changes and finished eighth in the league. Declan Howe won the Golden Boot for his 28 goals after signing in September."
"Again this summer we made additions to the squad with the backing of chairman Dave Horsley and the board to improve the squad again. To get to the levels of Guiseley and Worksop we need to keep building gradually which takes time, patience and money. Please give us your full support wi
th this and let’s continue to work together to take the club forward."
"A massive thank you to Woody and his staff for the super work they do to make our pitch one of the best in the league. Thank you to all the volunteers, your work never goes unnoticed. Let’s really get behind the lads on Saturday, we all know how difficult this game will be, but let’s enjoy the challenge, and with your vocal support we may yet again cause an upset..."
Tickets
Tickets remain on sale online until midday of the game. If you can buy through the portal, you’ll beat the queues. Wanting to turn up on the day and take your chance? That’s fine too. It’s cash only for visiting supporters. Home fans can pay via cash or card at the gates. Doors open from 1:30pm. We’re hoping for a bumper crowd for our first home game of 2025. Let’s do this!
Sponsors
We extend a warm welcome to our full rosta of Match Sponsors attending the game on Saturday. Our Gold Sponsors, The Howe family, who have generously agreed to sponsor the game that looks set to pit footballing brothers Declan and Callum against each other for the first time in their careers. Thank you for your support of the Holy Blues. Our Silver Match Sponsors are Crooked Billet Nomads who have again chosen a great game to back the Blues. We hope you enjoy your stay, and the hospitality afforded to you.
Our Bronze Match Sponsors, Sills and Betteridge are proud to once again see their names up in lights, alongside the name Gainsborough Trinity. We are equally as delighted to have you with us! And finally, the Match Ball Sponsor, that has been taken by the Brett Marshall Party. Here’s hoping there’s something extra for you to be celebrating come 5pm on Saturday night!
Programme
Priced at £2.50, the 36 page, full colour edition of the Gainsborough Trinity Matchday Programme is packed full of reading, including a feature on the family split in the support of two brothers (written in association with Emma Kennedy and the York Press). Ross Jackson makes his bow in this edition. He gets hot under the collar about a topic that seems to span from Premier League to Non-League. Hear from CEO Matt Boles, read Russ Wilcox’s Manager Notes and thoughts of Captain, Dylan Cogill. If that’s not enough, BBC Radio Dale has his regular column, Just Jamie pens his piece, there’s a bumper article from Phil Anderson and his View from Carlisle Street. And Steve Andrews’ In the Programme feature gives plenty to look back on!
Elsewhere
Since the Holy Blues are hosting York City in the Trophy, Basford United welcoming Eastleigh to Greenwich Avenue and Stockton travelling to Rochdale, there’s not too many games left to be played in the NPL, but here are the games that are:
Bamber Bridge vs Whitby Town
Blyth Spartans vs Ashton United
FC United of Manchester vs Morpeth Town
Ilkeston Town vs Leek Town
Macclesfield vs Worksop Town
Matlock Town vs Prescot Cables
Warrington Rylands vs Hebburn Town
Workington vs Guiseley
Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)