Naming a strong starting eleven & taking a first look at Theo Williams & Connor Brown as a starting pairing, things couldn't have started much worse for Trinity. Less than three minutes into the game, Callum Hawkins looked to clear the danger, sweeping up, only to injure himself in the process. With no sub 'keeper on the bench, Ash Jackson took the gloves & Trinity reshuffled, with Jordan Helliwell entering the fray a lot earlier than he could have imagined.

Lincoln United were certainly up for it, managed by former Trinity boss, Dave Frecklington. He has assembled a side who will be a physical threat, and will definitely hold their own in the NPL East, this coming season.

The first real chance of the game came on twelve minutes, when Lewis Butroid eased the ball into the path of Fraser Preston. Centrally, through on goal, with just Liam Flitton to beat, the Gainsborough number ten failed to make the 'keeper work.

Just a minute later though, Connor Brown, returning to the side where he netted sixteen times in his first season in men's football, was looking lively up top. Not allowing defenders a moments rest. And it was his endeavours that won his side a corner. Chasing down a bouncing ball, he got there, ahead of the hesitant Flitton, bravely guiding his header goalwards. A last ditch defensive clearance, from towering centre back Lewis Marsh prevented the Blues from taking the lead. But only momentarily. From the resulting corner, Jack Leckie guided Fraser Preston's corner past Flitton to open the scoring.

Midway through the half, Leckie & makeshift 'keeper Jackson combined well to narrow the angle, as the hosts struck the woodwork, before more good work at the other end involving George Hornshaw & Brown. Theo Williams doubled the Gainsborough tally ten minutes from half time. Trinity winning the ball back, deep in Lincoln territory, Williams showed good movement in the box, taking the ball on the turn and finishing smartly.

As United looked to intensify the battle. Wilcox's men kept cool heads and worked the ball around well. Harvey Sutcliffe providing an energetic outlet down the right hand side. Late in added time, Lincoln forced a corner. Delivered deep, Sutcliffe was able to hammer the clearance away, as the referee brought to a close the first period.

Half Time: Lincoln United 0 Gainsborough Trinity 2

Hornshaw and Brown combined well down the right hand side, as Preston cut in off the flank, His sighter, bent just the wrong side of the far post. Moments after entering the fray, Javelle Clarke was inches from connecting with a floated Aaron Simpson centre from the left hand side.

The visitors were moving the ball about well, with a real purpose. As for long periods, the Whites were forced to chase shadows, however Jackson was forced into action, thirteen minutes from time. Saving with his feet, to deny Lincoln substitute Henry Millard.

Tempers flared when Brown was seemingly fouled, but no freekick was awarded, A high, straight leg challenge on the youngster saw him down and receiving treatment.

Six minutes later though, the striker had the perfect response. Working the shooting opportunity. Preston & Clarke teed each other up in turn on the edge of the box, before finding Brown, who had found space on the left side of the box. Crashing home the third of the evening, for Russ Wilcox's side.

Three quickly became four, when Brown turned provider. He linked well down the left with Fraser Preston. Brown sliding the ball across the face of goal, perfectly finding the timed run of Clarke, who was able to side foot past the exposed Flitton, to put the icing on a solid, professional, evening's work.

Attentions now turn to Basford United, with the free entry for all away game, kicking off at 1pm in Nottingham, at Basford United's Greenwich Avenue Stadium. Let's see as many Trinty supporters as possible aloing for the game - after the third and final Trinity Tidy Up, that starts at 9am on Saturday morning! Blue Army!

The Teams

Lincoln United: Flitton, Swinn, Hutchinson-Wilkes, Priestley, Ward, Marsh, Armond, Dye, Moran, Molyneaux, Havard. Subs: Baker, Smalley, Millard, Parkinson-Maynard, Blant, Borrill

Gainsborough Trinity: Callum Hawkins (Jordan Helliwell 6) Harvey Sutcliffe, Ashley Jackson, George Hornshaw, Jack Leckie, Harrison Beeden, Lewis Butroid (Jacob McLoughlin 66) Aaron Simpson, Theo Williams (Javelle Clarke 61) Fraser Preston, Connor Brown
Subs not used: Trialist, Charlie Beale, Cameron Davies & Kyle Smith

Attendance: 155

Words & Images: Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)