Trinity’s Trophy test

Ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy tie with Harrogate Town on the Northolme, Housham told the Standard he was taking the opposition, who drew with the Blues earlier this season, very seriously.

“It’s a good draw for us in terms of being at home, against a side from our league that we’ve already competed against,” he said.

“They’re a very well organised side, no one here is expecting any kind of walkover, it’s a tough game and will just come down to whoever performs on the day.”

“Like us they want to play football and be solid.”

“It’s a one off cup game – we were expected to walk all over Hinckley at home in this competition but football isn’t like that.”

Gainsborough go into the Trophy tie on the back of a 5-1 win at Bishop Stortford on Saturday, and the mood in the camp is buoyant according to the manager, who was due to watch Harrogate Town in action this week at Stalybridge Celtic.

“It was one of the best performances I’ve seen while I’ve been here, we played some lovely stuff and took our goals well,” he said.

“On another day it could have been nine or 10, no disrespect to Bishop Stortford, and all we can take from that game is positives and confidence.”

“The team is fully fit and raring to go, if we get through this one we’re into the last 16 in a very good competition, so that carrot is there for the players.”

The two sides last met on 27th August, on the Northolme, when they drew 1-1 in front of 470.

Terry Hawkridge got Trinity’s goal, scoring from the penalty spot.

The dangerman for Harrogate Town, who sit 12th in the Blue Square Bet North table, is Paul Beesley, who has netted 10 times this season.

l For more Trinity news see page 45