A monumental feat for part time players, playing on heavy pitches, most of those games away from home (and on a Tuesday night) the levels the players have shown, is quite simply remarkable! With preparation and recovery almost becoming non-existent, or should I say, nonsensical, the players have continued to juggle work, family and football, without complaint. Focused purely on the next ninety minutes of football.
As the game against Leek now rapidly comes into focus, it’s a quick turnaround from the game at the F.Ball Community Stadium, just over three weeks ago. That game represents the Holy Blues’ only defeat in 2026, and Trinity will be keen to avenge that loss – at the Kal Group Stadium. 7.45pm kick off. Gates are open from 7pm, so let’s do all we can to have a buoyant home crowd in, determined to help see Russ and the boys home and over the line.
We really are rapidly approaching the business end of the season. Leek Town represents the first of back-to-back home games, with Bamber Bridge, nipping at our heels, visiting on Saturday. The chance to put a gap between us and them, before they come to Gainsborough (in another quick turnaround of games) will surely help to settle things down.
Following the FC United game, played in treacherous conditions (for both sides) Russ Wilcox spoke of the need to assess the players. Substitute Javelle
Clarke went off within ten minutes of entering the fray, after a nasty fall. He looks a doubt for Tuesday night, while centre back Jack Leckie (signed permanently on Friday from Alfreton Town) will hopefully be fit and ready to face Josh Breuhart’s side.
Town have been in fairly good form recently, but since beating Trinity in the reverse fixture, while the Holy Blues have picked up eight points from four games (two wins and two draws) Leek have lost away at Lancaster City (2-1) and drawn 0-0 with Hebburn Town (at the weekend). Tight games against sides above them in the division. Their weekend draw in fact, helping knock Hebburn off top spot, where they were replaced by fellow Staffordshire outfit, Hednesford Town.
Russ & KP will be under no illusions as to the task that lays in wait, but they will be hoping for another superhuman effort on Tuesday night, under the lights. Victory would be a tenth midweek victory for the Holy Blues this season. And it’s that character that sees Trinity on the cusp of the play-offs.
Away from home, Leek are averaging a point a game, from their fifteen games away from Harrison Park, winning four and drawing three. Their wins have come against Hyde United, Whitby Town, Stockton Town & Ilkeston Town. In those fifteen games, they have scored nineteen times, conceding 27.
In Trinity’s last outing at the Kal Group Stadium, Russ Wilcox’s men came roaring back from 3-0 down to earn a point, but goalkeeper David Robson has spoken of the squad’s desire to, “be more consistent. We know what we are capable of, but we have been a bit up and down recently. We need to start stringing a positive sequence of results together.”
Backing Saturday’s draw with FC United of Manchester up, with a couple of home wins would certainly go a long way towards keeping the play-off dream well and truly alive.
Match Sponsors
We extend a warm welcome to our Gold Match Sponsors for Tuesday evening’s fixture as a former director and his group come back to back the Holy Blues. Welcome to Tim H & Friends. We hope you enjoy your evening with us – and bring plenty of luck for the Holy Blues!
Match Information
Cash or card can be paid on the turnstiles, with Adults priced at £13, Concessions £9 and Under 16s £4. Match programmes are available on the gate, or in the club shop, priced at £2.50. These include photos from the FC United away game (thanks to Sean & Tommy for braving horrid conditions). There are also the thoughts of boss, Russ Wilcox & skipper, Lewis Butroid. Plus articles from Ross Jackson, Dale Storey, Jamie Johnson, Steve Andrews & Pip Anderson – meaning there’s plenty to read ahead of the match!
Continue to support the printed Matchday Programme – it means everything to those that spend time writing articles and compiling features!
Elsewhere
The only other scheduled game, which following Saturday, at Broadhurst Park, should have already been postponed, is the much-rearranged game, between FC United of Manchester & Stockton Town.
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)
Check out Tommy Cox's album from Saturday's one all draw at FC United, here.