Two first-half goals from Declan Howe and Javelle Clarke ensured that Gainsborough Trinity collected all three points at home to Bamber Bridge.
The Holy Blues saw out the victory despite a second-half comeback from the visitors.
Russ Wilcox named an unchanged side to the one that came away with a point on Tuesday night. Striker Declan Howe was named up front, looking to add to the 30 goals he has already bagged this season.
Bamber Bridge have already made the long trip from Lancashire this season, only for the referee to call the game off when they were on route.
Trinity’s Dangermen Strike:
Wilcox’s side took full control of proceedings in the first half, with the front three of Gainsborough Trinity all having chances.
Howe was first to have an effort, after he was found by a long throw from the quick-thinking Aaron Simpson. Howe advanced into the penalty area and his powerful right-footed strike was well saved by visiting goalkeeper Charlie Casper at the near post.
Trinity full-back Ashley Jackson did well to create an opening down the left wing, getting to the by line before standing up a cross to find Helliwell. His header from inside the box was directed over the bar, as Russ Wilcox’s side looked to get themselves in front.
Those in attendance would not have to wait long, as Dec Howe continued his scoring efforts this season, scoring his 31st goal of the season on twenty minutes. Jackson’s ball over the top found Howe in behind the defence, where he made no mistake in lifting the ball over goalkeeper Casper and into the back of the net.
It was a quickfire double for the Holy Blues as they doubled their advantage only three minutes later. Clarke did well to hold the ball up on half way before finding Howe. His strike was saved by Casper and parried into the path of Clarke, who nodded home into an empty net. Visiting captain Michael Potts was booked by referee Samuel Bragg for his excessive protests after Bamber Bridge believed there was a foul in the build up.
As the half wore on, the visitors fought there way back into proceedings. Liam Brockbank had their best effort on 39 minutes. as his low driven effort from the left side of the box was just wide at the far post.
A Bamber Bridge Comeback:
Bamber Bridge came out in the second half and took control in the same way that Trinity took control in the first half. They were rewarded on 54 minutes when Robbie Cleary rounded goalkeeper Dylan Wharton before rolling the ball home into the empty net. Cleary was set free by a loose pass in the midfield.
Trinity looked to respond on the hour mark as Dec Howe pinched the ball high up on the left wing. He tested Casper at the near post before getting the ball back and squaring the ball to Fraser Preston. Casper was quick off his marks and smothered the effort.
The Holy Blues had a golden chance to seal the win moments later as Lewis Butroid found himself leading a three-on-one chance. His strike from the left rolled wide leaving Preston and Howe with their hands on their head wondering why neither of them saw the ball.
Bridge looked to get on level terms with fifteen minutes to play as Dylan Wharton got down low to deny striker Ewan Bange after his strike went through the legs of Aaron Simpson on the right side of the penalty area.
There was late drama as Bridge were adamant that they should have had a penalty kick with three minutes to play. A looped cross was headed into Ashley Jackson. Whilst the ball hit the defender his arm was high in the air. Referee Samuel Bragg waved away the appeal to the dismay of the visitors. Trinity switched off allowing for a strike to come in from the edge of the box which crashed up against the crossbar.
Trinity had further chances to kill the game off with Howe and Jordan Hallam both denied by Casper at the end of play, with Russ Wilcox’s side making it seven games unbeaten.