Russ Wilcox made four changes to the side that was victorious in midweek, defeating Mickleover by two goals to one. Aaron Simpson came in at right back, at the expense of Sisa Tuntulwana. Bobby Johnson replaced Bailey Conway in the midfield engine room, while Curtis Durose was handed a first start in place of Javelle Clarke, and Lewis Butroid returned for his first start since the FA Cup First Round match away at Hednesford. Jack McMenemy was the unfortunate one to miss out on a spot in the matchday sixteen.
A frenetic, fast paced first half saw both sides struggling to get hold of the game, with the man in the middle seemingly allowing the game to flow freely. A bright burst from Durose down the right, appeared to see him upended by Dylan Thompson, but a goal kick was the award of the Referee. Durose was involved again shortly afterwards. His vision, and Declan Howe’s movement, and fleet of foot, saw him nip in between centre back and goalkeeper. Getting there, ahead of Andre Mendes, Howe’s touch looked to have taken him wide, but with Butroid up in support, Howe allowed the returning, former Scunthorpe United graduate, to take up the running. And with Howe peeling off, Butroid slotted home. Taking the ‘keeper slightly off guard from an acute angle.
Despite falling behind, Lancaster rallied. And their response saw the Holy Blues under pressure. 
Dylan Wharton was called into action, as a swirling cross from his left, was shovelled away from under his crossbar. The Dolly Blues looked to build a head of steam. And were soon back on terms. Another corner, deeper this time, was kept alive at the back post, where the ball was kept in the danger zone and nudged over the line from a yard or so out, by a gleeful Lewis Mansell.
Trinity threatened to play some nice football at times. In difficult conditions, too frequently, things didn’t quite run for Russ Wilcox’s men. Neat one and two touch movement almost saw Howe in on goal, but he was deemed offside, the Assistant on the far side thinking Durose had helped the ball around the corner, to an offside Howe.
Half Time: Lancaster City 1 Gainsborough Trinity 1
A neat move out on the left, started with Ashley Jackson. Butroid, Helliwell and Fraser Preston all combined to good effect, cumulating in Jordan Helliwell working the Lancaster ‘keeper. A Lewis Butroid in-swinging corner then struck former Atherton Collieries wide man Marcus Cusani. The ball looping up into the grateful hands of Mendes.
A long clearance from Dylan Wharton looked to push the hosts back, and when a weighted ball over the top from central midfielder, Bobby Johnson found Howe, well, you know the rest! A superb first touch took the ball under his spell, and showing strength and determination, Howe held off the advances of two retreating defenders, and rounded the ‘keeper to restore the Trinity advantage.
It’s safe to say, having fallen behind again, Lancaster would rally. And they looked to bombard the box with set pieces, long throws and shots from range, but Wharton was rarely troubled, and when a neat counter attacking move of the Holy Blues’ creation. The first of the penalty appeals were waved away by the man in the middle. Howe’s cross, striking the hand of the retreating Ikpakwu.
Lancaster then had an appeal dismissed. The ball ricocheting up off Cogil’s ankle and onto his hand after Aaron Simpson had got round on the defensive cover to head away a dangerous Sam Bailey centre. Soon after, Charlie Bailey tried his luck from range for the hosts, but again – over the top of Wharton’s crossbar. Just into the action, Javelle Clarke looked to make progress towards the goal, only to be denied access to the box. High, unnatural high arms were dropped to his side.
Penalty appeals at both ends littered the second half. The Referee unmoved by the shouts. One handball appeal appeared to be ‘stonewall’ after Howe had beaten the offside trap and found Fraser Preston in space. Preston shaped to shoot and delayed before looking to fire low towards Mendes’ goal, only to see his effort blocked by the arm of the home defender. Despite fierce protestations, play was allowed to continue, and play swept to the other end.
Preston whistled one just wide, as he struck from the edge of the box, and the Blues dug deep to see out the game. Putting bodies on the line, each to a man, fully deserving of the three point winging their way back to Lincolnshire.
The Teams
Lancaster City: Andre Mendes, Sam Bailey (Nathan Caine 92), Dylan Thompson, Christian Sloan (Dom Lawson 78), Harrison Beeden, Ed Ikpakwu (Josh Abbott 84), Brayden Shaw (Nic Evangelinos 70) Charlie Bailey, Lewis Mansell, Aaron Bennett, Marcus Cusani (Lewis Coulton 70).
Gainsborough Trinity: Dylan Wharton, Aaron Simpson (Sisa Tuntulwana 81), Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson, Will Lancaster, Dylan Cogill, Lewis Butroid, Jordan Helliwell, Curtis Durose (Javelle Clarke 73), Declan Howe, Fraser Preston. Subs not used: Joe Stacey, Bailey Conway and George Hornshaw.
Lancaster goal: Lewis Mansell (31)
Gainsborough goals: Lewis Butroid (17), Declan Howe (53)
Attendance: 512
Match report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Photos by Michael Porter Photography