Russ Wilcox's starting eleven of late, has been picking itself. The boss opting to name an unchanged side for the third game in succession. Joe Stacey making his fifth consecutive appearance having had to bide his time, due to the impressive early season form of Lewis Butroid. A sequence that has seen the Blues win four of those five games. Jack McMenemy was named on the bench, while Danny Devine was getting minutes at Liversedge. The midfielder stepping his return from injury that has seen him sidelined for ten months.
Trinity started the game brightly, with the wind at their backs, Bobby Johnson and Dylan Cogill looked to use the 50mph gusts to their advantage, but long range efforts didn't trouble Paul White in the Pics' goal. From Johnson's first effort, that was deflected behind for a corner, Ashley Jackson's effort rolled agonisingly wide of the target.
Twelve minutes in, and the Blues did have the decisive breakthrough. Clever interplay saw Javelle Clarke link with Jordan Helliwell, the former Barnsley youngster split the visiting defence, Howe showing a turn of pace to nip in behind Laiith Fairne and round goalkeeper White to open the scoring. The angle narrowing, but the striker in mesmerising form, made no mistake.
Six minutes later, Howe could have had a second. Joe Stacey's quick throw finding the striker who lifted the ball over 
White, but Liam McAllinden did brilliantly to clear off the line, with the ball set to nestle in the back of the net. Wave after wave of attack from the Holy Blues, saw Fraser Preston the next to be denied by White, as his effort whistled towards the postage stamp. Cutting in from the right, the shooting opportunity opened up, but White was equal to it. The busier of the two 'keepers by far.
Just five minutes later, White again was called into action. Tipping over Joe Stacey's effort as Wilcox's men ramped up the pressure. Rushall started to grow into the game, and enjoyed some concerted possession, but didn't really fashion any real shooting oppotunities, until an uncharacteristic error from Dylan Wharton just before half time, saw the 'keeper quickly make ammends, blocking bravely at the feet of Keziah Martin. The Blues going in at the break, a goal to the good. Would a one goal lead, with the elements, be enough for the hosts? Only time would tell as Trinity headed into the warmth of the dressing room.
Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 1 Rushall Olympic 0
Into the wind, Trinity looked to up the tempo after the break. Bobby Johnson started the second half in similar vein to the first. His long range attempt not troubling White. Shortly after, White was tested. Howe powering an effort goalwards, that was beaten away by the Pics' custodian. Stacey was next to try his luck. His effort on goal saved unconvincingly. From the corner, Cogill headed over the top. And with that, Rushall hit back against the run of play. Fine individual play from former Chelsea youngster Milan Lalkovic bent home and exquisite equaliser. The Blues punished for not extending their advantage.
Rushall visibly grew in confidence from the equaliser. But Wilcox's men almost found themselves immediately back in front. A wicked delivery from Sisa Tuntulwana on the right took Howe by surprise. Striking the forwards chest, before rebounding off the upright. McAlinden then tested Wharton with a long range freekick, before Dylan Cogill's long ball found the run of Howe, who lifted over White to restore the Gainsborough advantage. His 20th goal in all competitions brought up three weeks ahead of Christmas. A mark of the fantastic form the front man continues to exude.
Twice in six minutes, Trinity had the ball in the back of the net. Only for the joy to be short-lived. The flag of the nearside Assistant Referee first denying Howe a home treble, before depriving McMenemy of his first goal in Gainsborough Trinity blue. Terrell Pennant crossed for fellow substitute Harvey Watts. But his header back across goal in second half stoppage time was acrobatically claimed by Wharton, to snuff out any further danger, and ensure the Holy Blues' passage through to the Fourth Round.
The first time Trinity have reached the last 32 in twelve years. That time twelve years ago when the Holy Blues were defeated, in a two legged Semi Final, by Wrexham, and looked where they are now. Is another chapter being written in the Gainsborough Trinity history books? The confidence and belief amongst staff, players and supporters is there. Not even Storm Darragh could dampen Trinity Blue spirits.
The Teams
Gainsborough Trinity: Dylan Wharton, Sisa Tuntulwana, Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson, Will Lancaster, Dylan Cogill, Joe Stacey (Lewis Butroid 69), Jordan Helliwell, Javelle Clarke (Jack McMenemy 69), Declan Howe, Fraser Preston. Subs not used: Bailey Conway, Aaron Simpson and George Hornshaw.
Rushall Olympic: Paul White, Kornell McDonald (Terrell Pennant), Laiith Fairne, Nathan Cameron, Samuel Mclintock, Finn Flanagan (Harvey Watts), Milan Lalkovic, Danny King, Keziah Martin. Subs not used: Gerry McDonagh, Louis Bonser, Kevin Joshua, Samuel Mantom.
Gainsborough Goals: Declan Howe (12, 73)
Rushall Goal: Milan Lalkovic (62)
Rushall Booking: Terrell Pennant
Report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Tommy Cox