The two sides had contrasting fortunes in the cup at the weekend. Whitby going out at the hands of managerless Hyde United, whilst the Holy Blues were completing a remarkable turnaround. Scoring twice in the final twelve minutes to come from behind to earn a place in the Third Qualifying Round draw.

As the two teams were involved in cup action, there were two games taking place in the NPL that saw Whitby drop a place to 12th, following Cleethorpes Town’s victory over Leek Town. Trinity remain in third, but Lancaster City took over top spot, with a 3-1 win over Ilkeston Town. Moving three points clear of FC United & the Holy Blues, but having played two games more than FC, and a game more than the Blues.

Tuesday night’s visitors are managed by Gary Liddle. And have picked up eleven points from their eight league games so far this season. Three wins and two draws, scoring eleven but conceding a goal more (means they come into this one with a negative one goal difference) and with five points fewer than Russ Wilcox’s men.

Picking up wins in three of their six games away from the Towbar Express Stadium. Liddle’s men shouldn’t be underestimated. Two defeats to Hyde in less than three weeks will have stung the Seasiders, who finished last season in 16th spot. Last season, Town were defeated twice by the Holy Blues, including a win up in Whitby a couple of days after the epic Hednesford Town FA Cup tie!

In terms of recent history, Trinity have the upper hand, having won ten of the last eleven meetings between the sides. And Russ Wilcox’s men will be looking to inflict another defeat on the Whitby roster, under the lights, at the Kal Group Stadium.

Dean Furman was the last player to score against Trinity in the league. His goal, eleven minutes from time back on August 16th, coming a remarkable 519 minutes – and counting – ago! Wilcox had praised his sides’ defensive qualities. And has been determined to stop the opposition scoring. As well as David Robson’s growing league record without conceding, the Holy Blues’ rearguard have also kept six clean sheets in ten games, or six in eight in the league. Superb numbers, that are a solid foundation on which to build.

Russ Wilcox will ensure his team are prepared and focussed on the challenge in hand. Injuries to Lewis Butroid, Frank Mulhern & Adam Crookes see Trinity down to the bare bones, but the side finished strongly against Rushall Olympic on Saturday, and will be looking to continue that late energy into Tuesday night. Lincoln City man, Daniel Vanderpuye will be keen to add to his two cameo appearances, as will Jacob McLoughlin, should either be required, the Gainsborough faithful will doubtless give their backing to the youngsters, looking to make their mark on the side. And with Bobby Johnson fresh from his first goal since a 2-2 draw with Ashton United back in October 2023, the skipper will be hoping he doesn’t have as long to wait this time!

Matchday Programme

We have another bumper programme on offer. Despite the quick turnaround in terms of fixtures, we can bring you up to date, with the thoughts of Manager Russ Wilcox, in light of his 100th appearance at the weekend. Bobby Johnson once again brings you his column, while Pip Anderson’s View from the Carlilse Street & the delve into the programme bank, thanks to Steve Andrews, brings a little nostalgia to proceedings.

BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Dale Storey keeps you entertained, while Rick Ward & Ross Jackson, of NPL Chat fame, bring you the round up of the other Emirates FA Cup clashes – and an article from the heart, Bosh! Also, boasting a host of cracking supporters photos from the recent FA Cup game, captured by Foxby Media & Tommy Cox – you will be wanting to get your hands on a copy of this one! Priced at £2.50 and available on the turnstiles. Be sure to grab your copy!

Admission

With this game against Whitby being a Northern Premier League, Premier Division fixture, Season Tickets are valid for this one. You can also purchase your tickets (admission) on the gate. Either by paying cash or card at the turnstiles. Adults are priced at £13, Concessions £9 and Under 16s £4. So please, come along and be a part of something special happening down here at the Northolme.

Bring your noise. Bring your colour & cheer on Russ, KP and the lads – as they go all out for another three points. And put smiles on the faces of the paying Gainsborough public!

Elsewhere

There are a few tasty looking match ups in this round of fixtures. Perhaps the most eye-catching, away from the Kal Group Stadium, is the re-run of last season’s Play-Off Semi Final, between Stockton Town & Guiseley!

While Morpeth will be looking to cause an upset away at FC United of Manchester, with the Red Rebels potentially smarting from their FA Cup exit at the hands of lower league Chadderton. The fixtures in full, are listed here:

Bamber Bridge vs Stocksbridge Park Steels
FC United of Manchester vs Morpeth Town
Hebburn Town vs Workington
Ilkeston Town vs Cleethorpes Town
Leek Town vs Hednesford Town
Prescot Cables vs Warrington Town
Rushall Olympic vs Hyde United
Stockton Town vs Guiseley
Warrington Rylands vs Ashton United

Lancaster City not in action, due to Widnes’ resignation from the league.

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook & Tommy Cox