Trinity Run Ended - Gainsborough Trinity vs. Stalybridge Celtic

The Northolme under lights

Saturday should have been the first time in a while that I watched Scunthorpe for two consecutive weekends but the heavy rain ruined that. Despite the game at Glanford Park being rained off, the Conference North game between Gainsborough Trinity and Stalybridge Celtic just fifteen miles away survived. Gainsborough vs. Marine a long time ago was my first ever non league game and I always like coming back to The Northolme. Going in to the game, Gainsborough were on a seven match winning streak while Stalybridge were on a seven game losing streak. The hosts had also beaten Confernce National side Forest Green in the FA Trophy the previous week and so it appeared that nothing could go wrong.  

The main stand at The Northolme

Gainsborough start the game on the attack and force an early corner. From this corner they take the lead with a bullet header from the set piece. They almost double the lead with a near identical chance but the visiting keeper pulls off a terrific save. Once Stalybridge begin to settle and they pass the ball around with some confidence. However, it is Gainsborough who have the next effort on goal and the keeper makes another important save. The visitors end the half on top but they remain a goal down.  

Gainsborough on the attack in the first half

Stalybridge begin the second half where they left off at the end of the first and it is no surprise when they equalise. Following a passing move the Stalybridge player fires an angled effort across the Trinity keeper. Stalybridge continue to exert most of the pressure and they take a deserved lead when the striker fires home at the end of an another passing move. This sparks Trinity in to life and they hit the post from just outside the area. The Celtic keeper soon makes another save at his near post and despite all their possession, the visitors hold on for a deserved away win. 

Stalybridge's vocal support on the uncovered terracing

The closest station to The Northolme is Gainsborough Lea Road which is about a half hour walk away. Trains here go to Doncaster and Sheffield although I don't believe they are particularly regular. A two minute walk away from the ground is The Elm Cottage which is cosy and had a couple of ales. A bit further away from the ground is The Eight Jolly Brewers  which has a wide selection of ales. There are two bars at the ground, I have only ever been to the Blues Club and from memory it was pretty decent and had Sky Sports. 

Another view of the stand