Gainsborough Trinity manager Russ Wilcox says he is delighted, as his side draw National League York City in the FA Trophy.
The Holy Blues are into the fourth round of the premier non-league competition for the first time in 12 years, and will now face one of top-placed side in the National League.
York is one of Wilcox’s former clubs, where he steered a struggling side to safety in SkyBet League Two. After his exit early the following season, City fell to consecutive relegations.
Speaking to The Linc moments after the draw was made, the Trinity boss said: “It’s a tough one, they’re up the top end of the National League, but it’s a good draw. We’ll get a good crowd as well because they are up there, they’re excited about getting back into the league. It’ll be a big gate.
“I don’t think you could have wished for a better draw than that. It’s a good draw, and it’s the first time in 12 years that we’ve been back in the last 32.”
The game is also a special one for star striker Declan Howe, who will line up opposite brother Callum for the game.
“I texted Dec Howe about ten minutes before the draw and said this is the one, this is York. And, I couldn’t believe it when the ball came out,” Wilcox said.
Gainsborough beat National League North strugglers Rushall Olympic to reach the last 32 of the FA Trophy.
The Holy Blues manager added: “It’s a former club that I didn’t get long enough at. I went in there when they were third bottom of League Two and kept them up with four games to spare, and then lost by job in the early part of the next season.
“It’s another money marker, they just keep coming at the moment. This will be our 12th cup game, and we’ve only played 13 in the league. It just shows you how well we have done in this season in both competitions, it’s been an incredible season regarding the cup competitions.”
Gainsborough Trinity successes in cup competitions have been well documented this season, with the victory over Rushall Olympic the latest in a string of upsets.
Wilcox said: “To get into the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in 72 years and now to get into the fourth round of the Trophy for the first time in 12 years, is a great achievement from everybody concerned with the club.”
The tie will take place on Saturday, January 4, at the KAL Group Stadium.