The quick turnaround in games is proving a challenge for the small – close knit squad – at Russ Wilcox’s disposal, but the Blues will head to Cleethorpes in confident form, having kept back-to-back clean sheets in the last six days, picking up four points from the six available. And now sitting eleventh in the table, a point behind Cleethorpes (sixth) in the early season table.

Managed by Craig Rouse, The Owls were promoted as Champions from the NPL East Division. And they have a number of former Gainsborough ‘links’ within their setup. Former Scout, Richard Boryszczuk is now Assistant, goalkeeper Ollie Battersby, who signed last pre-season has been a regular for Town, while Curtis Bateson, Bailey Conway, Jack Vann & Nicky Walker have all had spells in the blue of Gainsborough, prior to linking up at Cleethorpes. Those half dozen were all involved last time out.

With so many familiar faces, and a sizeable contingent making the trip across, thanks to the organisation of Darren Gray putting the wheels in motion with the Away Travel Club, it promises to be an exciting clash between the two Lincolnshire sides, who will be vying for the top spots in the division come April. The Coach is already full, and is leaving the Kal Group Stadium at 11:30. If you are able to make the trip, please do – as Russ Wilcox explains, the boost a large following gives the side is huge:

“The games are coming thick and fast and there’s none bigger than our local derby against Cleethorpes Town. It’s brilliant to see we are taking a full coach. Please make the journey and get behind the lads. Your vocal support makes a huge difference to the players. I look forward to seeing everyone there tomorrow. Up the Holy Blues!”

Bring plenty of colour, bring plenty of noise. Cleethorpes are describing it as ‘the biggy’, and with no EFL game, are hopeful of a bumper crowd, so the more Trinity supporters that can come, and lend their backing – the better. Be loud. Be proud. Blue Army! If you can wear something yellow - and really nail your colours to the mast, it would be great to welcome the lads out onto the pitch to a sea of yellow - and have them feeling at home, away from home!

The Venue | Cleethorpes play their home games in Grimsby, in one of those bizzaire quirks, where EFL side Grimsby, play their home games in Cleethorpes. To avoid any confusion, their address is: The Linden Club, Clee Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN32 8QL

The Clubhouse is open from 12:30 on Bank Holiday Monday, selling alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, tea and coffee, hot & cold food. Cleethorpes advise there is ample free parking at the ground and admission prices for the game are set at Adults (18-64) £12, Concessions (65+ & 16-17) £8, Juniors (6-15) £4 and Under 6s – free.

Elsewhere

Elsewhere in the division, there are some cracking August Bank Holiday derbies. The Hednesford/ Rushall Olympic and Ashton/ FC United clashes looking the tastiest, away from Cleethorpes that is! Here is the list in full:
Ashton United vs FC United of Manchester
Guiseley AFC vs Stocksbridge Park Steels
Hednesford Town vs Rushall Olympic
Ilkeston Town vs Hyde United
Lancaster City vs Workington AFC
Leek Town vs Warrington Town
Stockton Town vs Morpeth Town
Warrington Rylands vs Prescot Cables
Whitby Town vs Hebburn Town

Bamber Bridge (free game day, due to Widnes' resignation)

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)