Gainsborough were without the services of Elliott Whitehouse, Bobby Johnson & goalkeeper Callum Hawkins. Aaron Simpson was absent, meaning an opportunity for former U21s 'keeper Jake Sykes between the sticks & another sizable contingent stepping up from the youthful 21s, to gain matchday experience with the first team.

Trinity looked good in possession, keeping the ball moving nicely, with Fraser Preston, George Hornshaw, Lewis Butroid & Jordan Helliwell all using the ball well & Javelle Clarke linking the midfield with the attack to good affect. With the full backs pushing high, both Harvey Sutcliffe & Ashley Jackson provided the width.

Early doors, a powerful Jack Leckie header was brought out of the sky by Clarke. Finding Preston, his clever reverse ball set Sutcliffe away - but as he looked for Theo Williams, the danger was cleared.

On the quarter hour, Helliwell had the first shot on target. It was dealt with by former Trinity 'keeper Matt Yates, down to his right. Five minutes later, Jake Sykes was called into action. An effort from range by Brad Wilson moved in the air. Sykes doing well to divert the ball behind for a corner.

Next it was Butroid who tried to turn provider. Looking to chip a ball through to Williams. Yates was alert to the danger. But just before the half hour mark, Basford were in front. Charlie Gill made space for himself on the right & picked out Blake, who made no mistake with his close range header.

Six minutes from half time - and Trinity were level. The ball turned past his own goalkeeper by Brad Wilson after an excellent build up from the Blues. A beautiful first time ball around the corner by Clarke, saw Williams return the ball. Clarke found Preston, who fed the ball out to Jackson on the left. Jacko crashed in a cross from the left & under pressure from Clarke, Wilson diverted past the helpless Yates. The sides going in at the break - level.

Half Time: Basford United 1 Gainsborough Trinity 1

Jacob McLoughlin, Connor Brown & Trialist #18 came on at the break, in place of Lewis Butroid, Harvey Sutcliffe & Theo Williams, as Wilcox continues to manage player minutes. Helliwell was looking more expensive with his passing as he raked the ball out to McLoughlin. Looking to deliver early, he won Trinity a corner.

Connor Brown linked up well with Clarke. Javelle skimming a low effort goal-wards. Yates being forced into a sprawling save in the Basford goal. Brown was trying to pull the strings as he looked for Clarke. And as he began to have more of an impact, he was hauled down on halfway, as he looked to cleverly spin in behind.

Harrison Beeden was dominating in the air, and was strong in the tackle, at the heart of the back line - but the Basford substitute number ten, did get on the end of a cross from the right, but his effort was struck into the ground, looping up and over the crossbar, off the firm 3G surface.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, both benches handed opportunities to their respective youngsters, who looked to catch their manager's eye. And the game drew to a conclusion. Another productive outing. With players getting more minutes into their legs, ahead of the intense opening month of the season.

Next up for the Holy Blues, our first home pre-season game of the 2026/27 season... and we entertain higher ranked FC Halifax Town, at the Kal Group Stadium. Tuesday night, at 7,45pm - why not come along and get behind the lads? £10 adults, £5 concessions and £2 for U16s. U16s to be accompanied by a responsible adult, or be a Junior Blues Member.

The Teams

Gainsborough Trinity: Jake Sykes, Harvey Sutcliffe (Jacob McLoughlin 46) Ashley Jackson, George Hornshaw (Charlie Doble 80) Jack Leckie (Ashton Offler 60) Harrison Beeden (Alfie Eccleshall 86) Lewis Butroid (Trialist #18 46) Jordan Helliwell (Charlie Beale 80) Theo Williams (Connor Brown 46) Javelle Clarke, Fraser Preston (Jaxton Stevens 80)

Basford United: Matt Yates, Owen Betts, Ryan Wilson, Terry Hawkridge, Ethan Stewart, Brad Wilson, Tyreace Palmer, Nat Peters, Nyle Blake, Charlie Gill, Trialist. Subs: Ryan Ebanks, Harry Twite, Trialist, Luca Burton, Henri Onwubiko, Taylor Dean, Trialist, Jake Travis

Words: Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images: Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)