Reaching the Isuzu FA Trophy round of 16 for the first time in more than a decade, Gainsborough Trinity‘s reward is a home tie.
The Holy Blues will face either Woking or Radcliffe, who await to play their round four clash due to the weekend’s weather conditions.
To reach this round of the FA Trophy, Gainsborough had to get past York City. They did so thanks to a second-half goal from Declan Howe, beating the top ranked side in the premier non-league competition.
Manager Russ Wilcox spoke to The Linc after the draw, and said: “I don’t usually listen to the draws, but this one I did. First out of the hat, I was buzzing. My only wish was a home draw, so after that I wasn’t too concerned.
“It’s going to be tough whoever you get, but I’m delighted. It’s great for the supporters because you could’ve got a three, four hour travel.”
Radcliffe were promoted from the Northern Premier League last term, leading the pack for the entire campaign.
However, they have struggled to adjust to life in the National League North, sitting in the relegation zone and three points off Wilcox’s former side Farsley Celtic with games in hand.
Trinity won 3-2 on the final day of last season against the already-promoted Radcliffe.
The other potential opponent for the Holy Blues, Woking, are currently 17th in the National League, and beat Maidenhead United on New Year’s Day.
Wilcox looked back on the success over York a few days removed, and said: “We knew we had to be cautious and make sure we didn’t get blown away in the first 20 or 30 minutes, which we did superbly well.
“And in the second-half we upped the tempo, and in my opinion based on the second-half performance we probably deserved to get the win. We created three or four great openings, and we were pretty comfortable.”
The tie against Radcliffe or Woking will take place on Saturday, February 1, at the KAL Group Stadium.