The six points, and two clean sheets impressing boss Russ Wilcox. Particularly the clinical nature of Saturday’s victory at Broadhurst Park. Goals from Fraser Preston (his second in three games) Theo Williams and George Hornshaw, all contributing to the clinical display, in Manchester. As part of the relentless opening to the season, in which the Holy Blues have been asked to play eight games in 23 days, as part of a crazily front loaded campaign, squad changes and freshness will be imperative, as Trinity boss Russ Wilcox looks to strike a balance. Champing at the bit for a first start will be exciting forward Connor Brown, who will be looking to be involved for the first time having served his suspension. The youngster signed from Lincoln United in the summer, where he top scored for our Lincolnshire neighbours, at Step four, before making the step up to the NPL Premier Division.
The Anchors opened the season with back-to-back 1-0 defeats. Their first away game saw them lose to a 96th minute Lynden Joyce goal, in front of 811 spectators at Ilkeston, before losing by a single Kurt Willoughby goal to nil at home to Ashton United. Stockton having six players booked in that game, with Lewis King (originally a right back, converted to a midfielder) sent off fifteen minutes from time, for a second yellow card. Consequently. He is expected to miss Tuesday night’s 
game, through suspension.
Former Premier League forward, Frank Nouble was a summer addition to the Stockton squad. Stockton’s third game of the season saw them held one all by Leek Town, giving Tuesday’s visitors one point from nine in the opening three.
Despite the form of the two sides, going into this one, nobody in Trinity colours will be expecting an easy ride. And it’s important to come out and back the Blues. Get behind your Holy Blues. It’s two big home games, in four days, at the Kal Group Stadium. Saturday seeing another tough test, when newly promoted Bury visit the Northolme. Let’s turn out in our numbers, get behind the lads – and who knows what we can achieve. Together.
Head to Head
Trinity lead the way with two wins from the four games between the sides so far, but Stockton currently hold the bragging rights, with their 1-0 victory at the Map UK Stadium, back in April. At the Northolme, Trinity have beaten Stockton 2-0 and drew 1-1 the season before. Declan Howe scoring in the one all draw. With late goals from Lewis Butroid and Jonny Margetts handing Russ Wilcox’s men all three points in the August game, last season.
Blue Review
The Matchday Programme, priced at £3 a copy, is available to purchase inside the ground. Boasting a celebratory George Hornshaw on the cover. And packed with all your usual reading! Ashton Offler picks his Fantasy Football XI, made up of players he has played with during his varied career: from non league, to the football league and back again. Will his side include a current Gainsborough player?
We hear from skipper Bobby Johnson, manager Russ Wilcox and our other fantastic contributors: Phil Anderson, Steve Andrews, Dale Storey, Jamie Johnson and the NPL Chat hosts, Rick Ward and Ross Jackson. Also included in this programme, and moving forwards – we will have the Gainsborough Trinity U21s fixture list, which will be updated moving forwards with key match information (results, attendance and scorers).
Completed with Stockton’s club history, and player bios – and top quality matchday images from the recent victory over FC United, will you be able to find yourself in the matchday photos? Have you got a favourite?
Elsewhere
A full fixture list is scheduled again in the Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier Division this midweek. The games set across the Tuesday and Wednesday. The other game of the day, with Trinity/ Stockton the obvious highlight of the round, is either Ashton Whitby, or Cleethorpes/ Alfreton. Ashton United will be looking to bounce back from their surprise defeat at Bamber Bridge on Saturday, whilst Clee and Alfreton are separated by a point. The list in full, can be found below:
Ashton United vs Whitby Town
Cleethorpes Town vs Alfreton Town
Curzon Ashton vs Bamber Bridge
Guiseley vs Bury
Hyde United vs FC United of Manchester
Ilkeston Town vs Warrington Town
Leek Town vs Emley AFC
Redcar Athletic vs Lancaster City
Warrington Rylands vs Quorn
Avro vs Workington AFC (Wednesday)
Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)