Gainsborough 0 Sheffield United 1

Gainsborough Trinity and Sheffield United played out an entertaining game at the Kal Group Stadium, that was ultimately settled by the only goal of the game in first half stoppage time. Russ Wilcox again named two trialists in his starting line up, as the Blues (in pink) mirrored the young Blades’ formation. Trinity started brightly, creating opportunities down their left-hand side. Ashley Jackson dragged wide after good play involving Lewis Butroid, Fraser Preston and Joe Stacey.

Details

Gainsborough marksman, Howe, was then involved, linking with Stacey. Howe getting on the end of the wingers' centre, only to see his header clawed away by Henry Molyenux. The Blades saw a lot of the ball, their movement, on and off the ball, asking a lot of questions of the hosts, but it was Gainsborough who were fashioning the better of the chances. A cleverly taken freekick freed Stacey down the left, and his cross was met by a thumping Dylan Cogill header, that crashed a yard wide.

Jordan Helliwell was playing further forward, looking to unlock the Blades’ defence. Winning a corner, that was taken short, an acrobatic overhead kick attempt from the Trialist forward, was met with some brave United defending. Sam Aston requiring some treatment for a boot to the head.

Gainsborough looked to be finishing the half strongly, with Preston probing from deep, but they were stung, when the young Blades went ahead on the stroke of half time. A quick turnover of possession, saw Marshall Francis get to the by-line; his cutback fired home from six yards out by Riley McLaughlin.

Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 0 Sheffield United 1

At the break, Ollie Battersby replaced Josh Render, as the two continue to jostle for the number one spot. And Battersby wasn’t tested when the young Blades won a freekick to the left of centre. Ten minutes into the second half, Howe looked to isolate his man, one on one, only succeeding in winning a corner. United threatened to counter on the break, but Helliwell stepped in to break up the turnover.

The Holy Blues welcomed a number of players back into action, as Trinity ramped up the pressure in the second half, without seriously troubling Molyneux. Dayle Southwell, moments after his introduction for Joe Stacey, looked to fashion a shooting opportunity, but saw his shot charged down.

Following Conway’s introduction, he too was immediately involved in the action. Winning the ball back high, he sent Howe spinning in behind. As Dec looked for his strike partner, the visitors were content to concede a corner. Nothing came from the set piece. Again, Gainsborough threatened, but a lack of willingness to pull the trigger, saw the opportunity pass.

Soon after, appeals for a penalty were waved away by Referee Mr Nundy, when Conway appeared to be hauled to the ground. Trinity continued to press men forward, but the final-killer ball was just lacking.

The Sheffield United youngsters couldn't exploit the spaces opening up at the back though, as Ollie Battersby enjoyed a fairly quiet afternoon.

The Teams

Gainsborough Trinity: Josh Render (Ollie Battersby 46), Trialist (Bailey Conway 75), Ashley Jackson, Jordan Helliwell, Sisa Tuntulwana, Dylan Cogill. Lewis Butroid (Joe Stacey 85), Trialist (Bobby Johnson 60), Fraser Preston, Declan Howe, Joe Stacey (Dayle Southwell 60)

Sheffield United: Henry Molyneux, Jack Waldron, Jilli Buyabu, Dovidas Sasanauskas, Zane Tahir, Levi Pitan, Ethan Cummings, Sam Aston, Riley McLaughlin, Evan Easton, Marshall Francis

Blades Goal: Riley McLaughlin 45+1

Report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Photographs by Bryan Pye (@brypye_sport)