The Blues already without the services of long term injury victim Dayle Southwell, were without Bobby Johnson (injured in the 1-1 draw seven days earlier) and hot-shot Declan Howe, who missed his first game in eighteen months. Meanwhile, Whitby at the bottom, are fighting for their lives. The gap between Matlock (final relegation spot) and Whitby is down to a point following Matlock’s 2-0 win over already relegated Blyth and the Seasiders' defeat against Mickleover. A seven goal thriller going the wrong way for Gary Liddle's East Coast battles.
Under Russ Wilcox, the Holy Blues have won their last three games against Whitby, without reply. Declan Howe with three goals in those three games, with the other goals coming from Ashley Jackson and Fraser Preston. Those results meaning Trinity will be heading into this one in confident fashion, as they look to bounce back from defeat, heading into the final home straight! The 2-0 win earlier this season, coming on a Tuesday night, days after the epic Hednesford Town Emirates FA Cup tie - and who can forget that one! Wilcox's side showing immense professionalism to return to league action and put in a performance of such quality!
Whitby Town have fared better away from home, picking up 23 points from their seventeen away games to date. Seven wins, two draws and eight defeats, scoring 29 and conceding 37. Havi
ng sold top scorer, Stephen Walker to Scarborough, the Seasiders have lost a big chunk of their goals. Second top scorer Nathan Thomas has seven to his name, so far this campaign. Prior to Saturday's loss against FC United, on home turf, since the turn of the year, the Holy Blues had only lost to Champions, Macclesfield, drawing three and winning three. And following the Macc game, Russ Wilcox’s side have only conceded five league goals in seven games, picking up twelve points, on home turf.
Since the turn of the year, Whitby have won two, lost three and drawn one of their six away games. The wins coming against Bamber Bridge and Leek Town. Defeats, without scoring, coming against Ashton United (5-0) and Prescot Cables (1-0). The only stalemate in that time, a 1-1 draw with Hyde United.
Victories for either side could see important climbs. An away win, could see Whitby up to sixteenth. A victory for Wilcox’s warriors, would see Trinity up to seventh… eight points off the play-offs, with six to play. There is certainly plenty at stake in this Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier Division clash. So get yourselves down to the Kal Group Stadium. It’s the second of two home games in three days for Russ Wilcox’s men. And we would love to see you down at the ground, cheering on the Holy Blues!
Sponsors
A warm welcome to sponsors Simon Casswell Farming who are sponsoring this match. Welcome back to Simon and his group. As always, it’s a pleasure to have you with us. Backing the Blues! Anyone looking to become a matchday sponsor? We have a range of packages available to suit all needs and budgets. We would love to hear from you! Whether that is for games this season, or you would like to express an early interest for next season, we would love to hear from you! So, please, reach out and contact us. Either through the contact page on the website, or by emailing Geoff Holmes on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (Foxby Media)