Clean sheet leads to eighth straight win for Town

Ashley Page scored a wonder free-kick to add to Nichol’s first half goal and Lee Bognar grabbed the third as Town made it 14 unbeaten in league and cup competitions.

Town were also reduced to 10 men in the second half after a late challenge by Holland on the Market Rasen striker.

Gainsborough started in the unfamiliar 3-4-1-2 formation, as in came Craig Mettam for Danny Martin and Dean Szendrey mate his first start of the season.

Gainsborough controlled the first half without making any clear cut chances to trouble Liam Andrews.

The back three of Page, Locking and Holland dealt comfortably with any attack thrown at them.

Mettam was unfortunate not to make it 1-0 when his shot went wide after Hutchinson got to the bye-line and crossed.

The midfield of Nichol and Shaw combined well and it wasn’t long before Nichol raced onto a Bognar through ball and put Town 1-0 up.

The second half started slowly for Town and it was about to get worse when Holland was adjudged to have made a reckless challenge from behind and saw red.

Town were still on top even with the on man disadvantage.

Mallett and Noble made changes with Nichol going to centre half, and on came John Anderson the 40-year-old veteran to replace Szendrey.

With 70 minutes gone Town were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out to the right of the goal. Page stepped up and curled an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner. Town made another substitution, 48-year-old Neil Farrow coming on.

Gainsborough made it three shortly after when Bognar pounced for his 16th of the season late on to secure victory.

Next week they face AFC Rustons for a place in the last eight of the Lincs County Cup. The players of Gainsborough Town FC would like to thank Ian at Gainsborough Physio Clinic for his hard work and dedication in getting the injured players fit, and for his continued sponsorship throughout the season.