Ashton Offler will be looking to continue his goalscoring start to the campaign. The powerful utility man has scored twice in the opening two games of the season, adding to the goal he scored on his debut last season. Should he be selected, he will be keen to add to his tally, as he looks to carve out a starting spot of his own, in the early stages of the season.

Offler, who signed for Trinity, from Mickleover in early January sent this message to the Trinity faithful, “A huge thank you to the travelling fans Tuesday night. It wasn’t the result we were hoping for – and we know we can be better. The games are coming thick and fast, so we have to put that one behind us, and we are now focussed on Saturday. We hope to see you there – and give you a reaction!”

All of Wilcox’s substitutes made an impact on Tuesday, and will be pressing for a starting spot on Saturday, both Bobby Johnson and Elliott Whitehouse adding to their minutes in midweek.

Trinity have won one and lost one, from the first two games of the 2026/27 campaign, and will be keen to add points to their early season tally. Meanwhile, Mark Beesley’s Red Rebels have lost one and drawn one of their opening two league games. The draw coming at home on Tuesday night, as they left it late. Very late, to snatch a point against Leek Town. The away defeat on opening day, to Warrington Rylands (the side that defeated them in the Play-Off Semi Final) would have been a tough one to take & Beesley will also be hoping for a reaction from his side – which could add to the occasion on Saturday!

FCUM enjoyed a really successful season, last time out. Pushing Hebburn & Hednesford all the way, but they have been rocked by the lost of winger, Jay Fitzmartin. The former Atherton Collieries talent, made the step up to the Enterprise National League North with the Pitmen.

Head to Head

The Rebels & the Holy Blues have been locking horns since 2015, with the two sides having met sixteen times in the league, over the eleven years. Averaging under a point a game, Trinity’s away record at Broadhurst Park is marginally better than the record at home, courtesy of two extra draws for the travelling Blues. Two wins, two draws & four defeats on the road, have yielded Trinity 8 points from the twelve available. The last point coming on a rain-soaked afternoon in Manchester, when the sides played out an entertaining one all draw, in farcical conditions. Russ Wilcox’s men had taken a first half lead, through Harrison Beeden’s header, but Adam LeFondre netted 25 minutes from time to see the spoils shared.

The season prior again finished in a 1-1 draw. Weather again proving a factor. Will Lancaster scoring for Trinity, before Adam LeFondre again equalised (a minute earlier this time, in the 64th minute) – after Dylan Wharton had saved a penalty, from the same man, earlier in the game, amidst the dense fog that shrouded the stadium.

Head back a little further, and you find Trinity’s best result at Broadhurst Park, when Neal Bishop’s Holy Blues beat FC United by three goals to one. Liam Waldock, Harry Lewis & Curtis Durose grabbing the goals for Trinity on that day.

Ticketing

Tickets can be purchased online, or on the turnstiles. The prices are the same through both avenues. The game is not a segregated fixture, and with a good number of travelling Trinity supporters booked on the sell out Trinity Travel Club coach, we hope plenty more will be able to make the trip over the Pennines, to support Russ, KP & the group.

Tickets are priced at £15 adults, £10.50 concessions (65+) £5 youth (18-21) £3 U18s. all under 14s must be accompanied by a responsible adult, with under-fives, free.

Heading to Broadhurst Park, the address is 310 Lightbowne Road, Moston, Manchester, M40 0FJ. There is a large car park on site, but this fills quickly and alternative parking around the ground should be sought.

Elsewhere

A full programme of fixtures await, in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, across the weekend. Emley getting the weekend under way, when they face Curzon Ashton on the Friday night. Next Saturday's opponents, Bury have another tough game - at home again, against Warrington Rylands, who will be looking to bounce back from midweek defeat against Lancaster!

Emley AFC vs Curzon (Friday)
Alfreton Town vs Avro
Bamber Bridge vs Ashton United
Bury vs Warrington Rylands
Lancaster City vs Hyde United
Quorn vs Redcar Athletic
Stockton Town vs Leek Town
Warrington Town vs Cleethorpes Town
Whitby Town vs Ilkeston Town
Workington AFC vs Guiseley

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images courtesy of Rob Knight (Alfreton Town) | Ben Page Photography