The dust has begun to settle on a truly incredible weekend for Gainsborough Trinity.
The Holy Blues, backed by a hefty travelling support, fought back from 3-0 and 4-3 down to beat Hednesford Town on penalties in the Emirates FA Cup. While Trinity’s first venture into the post-qualification stages of the historic competition in seven years looked to be turning sour, Gainsborough would not stay down.
They have now secured a spot in the second round for the first time since 1952 – some 72 years ago. Their prize, a trip to EFL opposition in the form of Harrogate Town.
Manager Russ Wilcox, who was in the BBC Match of the Day studio as the draw took place, said: “I’m pretty happy with the draw. You get what you get, but what you do then is you look at it, and go and challenge them.
“We’ve had some tough draws, Darlington away was a really tough draw, Boston was a really tough draw, especially the replay. No one really gave us much chance in the Darlington game or in the Boston away game, so we’re in there on merit.
“3-0 down on Saturday, no one gave us a chance. Probably not even myself, you start wondering about where this is going to go, if it’s going to be a disappointing end to the FA Cup run.
“But, the lads proved me right on what I say, it’s a great group, and they’re so together. They’re so committed, and there is a never say die attitude, which is great testament to the players and the staff.”
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Gainsborough will travel to North Yorkshire across the weekend of Saturday, November 30, looking to put their name in the hat for when the big Championship and Premier League names enter the fray.
Wilcox said: “We are one game away now. That’s it in a nutshell, there are no replays, so we are just one game away. It’s 90 minutes, or 120 and penalties to see what we can do. We will give it our lot. Obviously, they’re an EFL League Two team, but it’s a game we will embrace and challenge, like we have done the rest of them.
“The magic of the FA Cup has certainly been shown in our fixtures. Hopefully we can do it one more time, and then you are looking at hopefully one of the Premiership boys, which would be absolutely amazing for the football club.”
In the meantime, Wilcox will refocus his Gainsborough side on Northern Premier League duties, for a trip to Whitby Town on Bonfire Night.