Though the two sides are locked on the same number of points, Trinity have endured a tricky patch, compounded by injuries to a key quartet. And the departure of Will Lancaster. His ready made replacement, Adam Crookes having also been missing through injury and illness, the injuries to Bobby Johnson, Jordan Helliwell & Harrison Beeden in Boxing Day's defeat to Guiseley, will make things even tougher on New Years Day.
Cleethorpes have been pretty consistent following their promotion to the Premier Division of the NPL. Picking up the same number of points, both home - and away. Their thirty point tally, from a game more than Trinity, demonstrating how Craig Rouse's side have adapted to life at Step 3.
And with Lincolnshire bragging rights at stake - we are calling on the Gainsborough faithful to turn out in force - and back the Holy Blues to the hilt.
There are a number of.familiar faces in the Cleethorpes ranks. Half a dozen of the visitors' sixteen that beat Workington 2-1 time out,, have previously pulled on a Trinity shirt, feom goalkeeper Ollie Battersby, to full back Josh Wilde. Box to box midfielder Bailey Conway, fellow central midfielder Aaron Braithwaite & wingers Curtis Bateson & Nicky Walker.
Our visitors have won four and drawn three of their eleven away games. Conceding just over a goal a game on their travels. They'
ve netted seventeen on the road alone - actually making them second top scorers away from home in the division! Josh Walker leads the Owls' scoring charts with seven league goals in 21 games. Former Blue, Bailey.Conway has also been amongst the goals, with four to his name already. More than in eighty-odd appearances for Trinity!
Looking to turn draws into.victories at the Northolme, the Holy Blues will be boosted by the return of.Sisa Tuntulwana for derby day. Sisa having returned from a period in South Africa, following a family bereavement. Three of the last five home games have ended in stalemate, something a New Year outlook will look to sweep clean.
Boss, Russ Wilcox continues to work on reinforcing his side, during the difficult period between Christmas and New Year, but his considered recruitment has certainly brought its rewards over the last two and a half years- and it's imperative everyone remains positive and upbeat.
Match Details
Kick off at the Kal Group Stadium, Northolme, DN21 2PQ is at 15:00. Gates open from 13:30. The Blues Club will be open from midday, welcoming both home and away supporters. The match is NOT segregated. Advanced tickets are not available. Although Gainsborough Trinity Season Tickets (and Ten Game Tickets) are valid for this fixture. Cash or Card can be paid at the gate for this match, Adults £13, Concessions £9 & Under 16s £4. There is no additional charge for sitting in the impressive Ping Stand.
Parking
Please be mindful when parking around the ground. Be considerate of our neighbours - and avoid obstructing driveways and pavements. If there is not enough room for a double pushchair to pass - it's not the best place to park! A number of local council run carparks are available within a short walk from the ground, offering free Bank Holiday parking. Incentive To encourage as many returning new faces as possible - we are offering ten game tickets. We want to make the last ten games as affordable as possible for as many people. Join us on our adventure, as we look to go on a couple of decent runs that we know we are capable of. Just look back at 2025, and unbeaten runs of both eight and nine games - and also a run of four straight wins. With positivity & togetherness - and the Blue Army together.. the unthinkable could happen.
10 Game Tickets
The Ten Game Ticket entitles holders to entry to all ten remaining (regular) league fixtures for a one off price of £100 (Adults) that's just £10 a game, compared to £13 in the gate. Concession Ten Game Tickets are priced at £60 - that's £6 a game, for the over 65s, opposed to £9 individually. And finally £20 U16s tickets, represented a 50% saving on the match by match price.
Match Sponsor
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our Sponsors for New Years Day: Claire Hardwick & Friends. Thank you for your continued support of the Holy Blues. We hope you enjoy your afternoon's hospitality and entertainment. And of course (hopefully) three points for Gainsborough Trinity! Any individuals, businesses or groups looking to get involved/ wanting to sponsor future games - we would love to hear from you! Please reach out on Social Media or by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll be more than happy to direct your enquiries!
Elsewhere
With only three wins separating seventh and twentieth (second bottom) the league remains incredibly tight - with many games to keep an eye on. Here's the fixtures in full:
FC United of Manchester vs Ashton United
Morpeth Town vs Stockton Town
Rushall Olympic vs Hednesford Town
Stocksbridge Park Steels vs Guiseley
Warrington Town vs Leek Town
Workington vs Lancaster City
Saturday 3rd January 2026
Hebburn Town vs Whitby Town
Hyde United vs Ilkeston Town
Prescot Cables vs Warrington Rylands
Bamber Bridge not in action due to Widnes' resignation from the league.
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)