A version of this article first appeared in Gainsborough Trinity’s match-day programme for the final game of the season against Leek Town.
What a season it has been.
Gainsborough Trinity have progressed in their first full season under the management of ex-Doncaster Rovers defender Russ Wilcox.
Not only did they impress with a history-making FA Cup adventure and deep surge into the FA Trophy, but they have proven a capable and upwardly mobile Northern Premier League club.
All positive signs for next season.
Glory in Cup and Trophy:
Most notably, for the first time in 72 years, the Holy Blues reached the second round of the FA Cup.
After battling through the qualifying rounds, which included a 2-2 draw with National League Boston United and subsequent 4-0 triumph in the replay, Gainsborough reached the first round proper.
They produced a classic there, fighting to force a penalty shootout which they won after a 4-4 after extra-time stalemate.
The prize was a trip to League Two Harrogate Town, with the EFL outfit showing their class to put an end to the Trinity fairytale. It was a once in a generation run, and one that will live in the memories of every Gainsborough supporter involved for a very long time.
However, successes in cup competitions did not end with their defeat in November.
The FA Trophy took centre stage, as Gainsborough caused upset after upset. Chester, Rushall Olympic, and most famously York City, who were all from divisions above step three, fell to the underdogs as Trinity made it all the way to the round of 16.
National League Woking were the side who eventually ended Trinity’s dramatic story, but not before The Holy Blues could create yet more history for North Lincolnshire.
Progression in the Northern Premier League:
While the cup successes will rightfully take the plaudits now we begin to reflect on the season that has been, the NPL form has been worthy of congratulations too.
Trinity finished the season in seventh place, one position higher than they managed in the prior term. Just five points below the play-off spots, Gainsborough have claimed one more point than they did in the 2023/24 term.
And, with the added bonuses both financially and emotionally of the Cup and Trophy runs, that will constitute a fantastic campaign.
Wilcox and his team can build on their superb run after ending the season with four wins in succession and continue to look upwards through the summer.
The stand out performers:
Of course, Declan Howe must receive a glowing review when assessing who the top performers among the Gainsborough ranks are. He has netted a massive 38 times this season, surpassing his Golden Boot winning tally from the prior campaign by ten goals.
The top marksman is the reliable force that spearheads Trinity in each and every game. The ever-present that never falters.
Elsewhere, local lad Lewis Butroid has impressed, scoring 12 goals along the way. Away from the obvious goalscoring output of Howe, Butroid has steadily and neatly gone about his work. He has not only contributed in front of goal, with only the club’s top scorer eclipsing his record, but has made Gainsborough tick with his intricate play throughout the 2024/25 term.
Captain Dylan Cogill, fellow defenceman Ashley Jackson, and goalkeeper Dylan Wharton have all had great campaigns too.
Finally, although I could select every Trinity player for individual praise, it was two of last summer’s signings who stood out. The recruitment of Will Lancaster and Jordan Helliwell has proven to be a masterstroke: the former has been a defensive rock with an eye for a darting forward run, while the latter had been the midfield cog that every good Gainsborough performance has hinged on.
Manager Wilcox has not had the biggest squad to rely upon, but they have all played their part very adeptly.
The building blocks are there for Gainsborough to mount a play-off challenge next season after runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy coming alongside an improved league standing.