And now, it's take two for Russ.Wilcox's Gainsborough Trinity! It's a quick turnaround for the two sides as Simon Grayson's side secured a replay through an unlikely source, on Saturday. Therefore meaning it's an Emirates FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Replay.
The prize at stake - a spot in the First Round Proper, for the second successive season - and back to back - for the first time in nearly twenty years! It will be a tough ask for Wilcox's part timers, but one that the squad can take heart from!
Trinity's outstanding performance in the original tie, has once again set the bar high for the Blue Army, but the group - led by Wilcox continue challenging themselves and upping their game, week on week. Though Trinity's task may have become even greater, with Sunday's news, that Pools' manager Grayson has parted company with the club. His side's 'Get out of Jail' card not enough to save him his job, with Nicky Featherstone & Adam Smith set to lead the team on Tuesday evening.
For those that love patterns, sequences and omens... Just last season there was the late Boston United (of National League fame) equaliser to snatch a draw. We know what subsequently happened at the Jakeman's Community Stadium - and if you've forgotten - I'll remind you! Declan Howe (2) Lewis Butroid & Fraser Preston were all on the scoresheet as the Holy Blues ran out 4
-0 victors!
Further back - and patterns! Tuesday night will be the two sides fourth FA Cup meeting. Trinity winning the first, Hartlepool the second, before Saturday's one all draw. Next up, Mystic Meg surely has to be predicting a Gainsborough victory: WLD.. W. We can always be hopeful of booking our place in Round 1.
Those present on Saturday will have struggled to have accurately identified the team ranked higher in the pyramid. Many watching would have been impressed with the Holy Blues' passion and resilience - and those characteristics will need to be on display by the bucketload, as the Blues look to complete the job.
Following Tuesday night's replay, the Holy Blues are back in league action on Saturday. The tough games continuing to fly at Trinity. FC United of Manchester are the visitors, this time in the league, on Saturday.
Away Tickets
Pricing for the quick-turnaround replay have been set at £12 Adults, £8 Concessions & £5 Under 16s. Trinity supporters will be housed in the Hartlepool Cable Services Stand, also known as the Rink End. This is an unallocated, all-seated stand that has a maximum capacity 760. There is no terraced area available for away supporters.
The stand is located on Clarence Road and the turnstiles are adjacent to the main office building, ticket office and shop. To ease congestion on busy games, fans may be allocated seating on arrival by stewards as you arrive into the stand and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Elsewhere There are three fixtures in the NPL on Tuesday, but nothing that should affect Gainsborough’s league position - at this stage:
Ashton United vs Hebburn Town
Morpeth Town vs Cleethorpes Town
Whitby Town vs Hednesford Town
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
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