Gainsborough Trinity rip up the form book to kickstart the new year with a win over title chasing Worksop Town.
The Holy Blues returned to the KAL Group Stadium in search of an end to their torrid run, which has seen seven games without a win. In a much-needed boost to Russ Wilcox’s side, they welcomed back goalkeeper Dylan Wharton after his recent injury.
It was set to be a tough test as third-placed Worksop Town made the trip from neighbouring Nottinghamshire. The Tigers were unbeaten in five heading into the new year, but had only one two of those games.
Despite their good run, Worksop hadn’t secured three points away from home since October.
With Trinity just four points above the dreaded relegation zone at the start of play, they were hoping the new year would bring them new fortunes.
First-Half:
It was a steady start at the Northolme, as Russ Wilcox’s side were containing the Worksop Town threat. Lewis Butroid had a sight at goal as he curled a free-kick wide before Declan Howe went close, but the visitors were threatening too.
The first clear cut chance of the game came in the 20th minute, as Butroid was called into defensive action. He cleared a George Taft header off the line.
Centre-back Taft was causing problems from corners, forcing Dylan Wharton into a comfortable save as he rose highest again just a minute later.
The game fell into a lull, as the hosts maintained a sturdy shape that was stunting the dangerous Workshop attack.
Gainsborough Trinity made their hard work pay off in the 36th minute as they took a surprise lead. Lewis Butroid curled a free-kick from the right of the box into the top corner of Seb Malkowski’s goal to score against his former club.
The first-half was an even affair, as Trinity defended well and spiked Worksop by taking their best chance. The Tigers posed a threat with a pacey attack, especially Jay Rollins down the right-flank.
The Holy Blues were defended resolutely, having their backs against the wall after their opening goal. They could expect an attacking barrage from their visitors in the second-half.
Second-Half:
As expected, Worksop Town came out of the break in electric fashion. Captain Hamza Bencherif smacked a free header into the post and Jordan Burrow nodded a cross wide within the first five minutes of the second-half.
Up the other end, Butroid and Howe forced a couple of quick-fire saves from Malkowski as the game became stretched.
It was backs against the wall for Gainsborough Trinity as they sought to keep hold of their lead and register a first win since November. However, Worksop were knocking at the door, as Vaughan Radford shanked an effort wide on the hour mark.
Former Republic of Ireland international and Doncaster Rovers mainstay Paul Green was replaced in the 61st minute due to injury, as Colin Daniel took his place in midfield.
Just a couple of minutes later, Gainsborough doubled their lead. A free-kick came in from the left, but it was only half cleared as Fraser Preston latched onto a free ball on the edge of the box and drove the ball into the bottom corner.
The Holy Blues ran to celebrate with their manager, Russ Wilcox, as they weathered a second-half Worksop storm.
Jordan Burrow must have thought he had a goal back as he shot from close range, but Dylan Wharton sprung across his line to make a great save.
Worksop had another shot cleared off the line, as Jay Rollins looked to poke a Luke Hall cross into the back of the net. It was a resolute defensive performance from Gainsborough, as they stopped a late surge to record their first clean sheet in ten games.
Gainsborough Trinity 2-0 Worksop Town:
Gainsborough Trinity ended their seven game winless run, ending Worksop Town’s unbeaten run in the process.
Russ Wilcox’s side recorded their first win since November, beating third-placed Worksop in front of a 1,248 strong KAL Group Stadium crowd.
Worksop were forced to endure another away game without a win, as they still sought their first win away from Sandy Lane since October 24.
The Holy Blues travel to Guiseley on Saturday as they look to turn their win into the start of a good run.