Gainsborough Trinity head into the FA Cup First Round this weekend, for the first time in seven years.
The Holy Blues travel to Hednesford Town, from the division below, looking to go advance beyond the opening round for the first time in some 72 years.
Speaking to The Linc, Russ Wilcox said: “We know it’s going to be tough. I watched Hednesford at Widnes when our game against Blyth was called off. So, I know what they’re about. They’ve got new owners who’ve invested a lot of money into the squad. It’s a really big budget for what step they’re.”
Hednesford caused an upset against National League big-boys Gateshead to reach this stage, creating their own slice of club history in the process.
Wilcox’s men beat National League opposition themselves, with an emphatic 4-0 win in a replay against Boston United. He described that as one of the best performances he has ever been involved in.
“It’s brought the town to life”
Gainsborough has been brought to life by Trinity’s FA Cup successes, according to manager Wilcox. At least 500 supporters will make the journey to Staffordshire, with the game proving to be a hot ticket in North Lincolnshire.
The Holy Blues chief said: “It’s a massive achievement for everyone involved to get to the first round, the first time in seven years. But, you want to go that step or two further, it would be magical.
“We know we’ve got loads of games to catch up on, but the bottom line is we are doing fantastically well in the cups. I wouldn’t swap that at all, the journey we are on, and not just us as players and staff, but the whole club, the board, the chairman, the supporters, the town.
Gainsborough have not played a league game in over a month, thanks almost entirely to their cup successes.
“That’s what FA Cup runs do for you. It’s brought the town to life.” – Gainsborough Trinity manager Russ Wilcox
Taking Confidence from Clitheroe Win:
Wilcox said his squad can take confidence from their FA Trophy win over Clitheroe last weekend, as they swept aside the team level on points with Hednesford in the Northern Premier League West.
The Gainsborough manager said: “Clitheroe were probably better than I thought, I’d seen obviously videos of them. But on the day, they started the game very well. It was a really close and well contested first-half, we ended up running away with it. It looked comfortable, but I think the two late goals made the scoreline look easier than it was.
He added: “It’s been a really rewarding period which the players have to take a lot of credit for.”
Gainsborough Trinity will face Hednesford Town on Saturday, November 2, with a sought-after spot in the second round up for grabs.
Feature Image Credit: Bryan Pye