Jon was a former Chairman and Director of the Club and a life-long supporter. He will be greatly missed by the Directors and staff at the football club and by the supporters. At this very sad time we send our sincere condolences to Jon’s wife Diane, sons Richard, Nick, and their families.
Gainsborough Trinity Football Club was formed in 1873 as Trinity Recreationists, set up by the vicar of the Holy Trinity Church for young parishioners. In 1889 they became members of the Midland Counties League. They won the Midland League championship in 1890/91 and after finishing runners-up the following season were elected to the Football League Second Division. Their first match was against Newton Heath who later became Manchester United. Gainsborough struggled and returned to the Midland League in 1912. In 1969 they became founder members of the Northern Premier League. Gainsborough have never won the NPL but were the longest-serving member of the NPL, ending a 36-year stay after finishing tenth in the Premier Division to earn a place in the Conference North for 2004/05. Current Stafford resident and ex Aston Villa star Brian Little had a short spell as manager of Gainsborough. Relegation from the National League North has enabled us to meet again for League fixtures after many years. Our FA Trophy defeat at Northolme last season was our most recent meeting, following regular encounters in the 70’s.
At the start of this season Gainsborough made it clear that they wanted a swift return to the National League North, like Altrincham did last season, with the signing of prolific strikers Damian Reeves and Ross Hannah. We all remember Reeves at Shaw Lane last season, but to help us Ross Hannah is suspended for this game. Their home has been impressive with 15 points from a possible 18, with only Scarborough going home with points, and an emphatic 8-2 thrashing of Chasetown in the FA Cup. It is on their travels where they have not been as good, and we hope that form continues this Saturday. They have won away at Hyde and Hednesford, drawn at Witton and Farsley, and lost at South Shields, Stalybridge and Nantwich. While we were progressing in the Integro league cup tie at Chasetown, Gainsborough were losing in an FA Trophy replay further down the road at Tamworth.
This game is an important fixture as we attempt to build on a mini cup win run, and much needed confidence to get back on track with some much needed league points, so your support is much welcomed to support the team.
Games played this century on 3rd November.
2001 Guisley A 0-0 FA Trophy round 1 (won replay 4-2)
2007 Exeter H 1-5 Vauxhall Conference
2012 Blyth Spartans A 0-1 Northern Premier League
2015 Lincoln United A 1-1 FA Trophy 1st qualifying round – lost 5-4 on penalties
Integro League Cup 2nd Round
Tuesday 30 October 2018
Stafford Rangers progressed to the 3rd round of the Integro Cup but were made to work hard for it by Division One West side Chasetown. Both teams named strong line ups and it was Rangers who made the early running as they took the lead in the 4th minute through Jake Charles who converted a first time cross from Josh Green.
Chasetown responded and a counter attack, led by Danny Cocks put Tom Hill in but, with just Adam Whitehouse to beat, he lifted the ball over the bar. Izak Reid and Green both went just wide for Rangers before they doubled their lead on 17 minutes. Reid sent in a deep cross and Tom Thorley was left unmarked to volley in at the back post. Again, Chasetown had an early opportunity to respond as Jack Partridge found Will Whieldon in a yard of space but Adam Whitehouse parried away a good strike from the former Stafford triallist.
But Rangers were largely in control of the first half playing some good football and creating a number of chances but just unable to find that killer third goal. Theo Bailey-Jones struck a couple of efforts at Chasetown keeper Curtis Pond who then saved well with his feet to deny Charles.
Rangers made a couple of substitutions at half time while the home side made all three including the introduction of former Boro players Jack Langston and George Cater. And, within two minutes of the restart, they were back in the contest. A corner on the right came back out to Whieldon and he sent in a high cross which Whitehouse fumbled into the net under his bar. The Chasetown man got the credit but it was one that the Dubious Goals panel would have taken a good look at.
Chasetown looked more and more threatening as they searched for the equaliser. Whitehouse made amends for his earlier error with good saves from Whieldon, Langston and Cater but Chasetown’s hopes were dented with 7 minutes left when Cocks went flying in the area. Referee Scott Chalkley deemed it simulation and dismissed the Chasetown man for a second yellow. It may have been a lucky escape for Rangers as officials from both camps thought he had been clipped. Both sides missed out on chances in the final exchanges with Rangers’ Harry Benns denied by Pond while Whitehouse saved from Muzzy Nduna.
Chasetown: 1 Curtis Pond, 2 Harry Goode, 3 Matthew Hardiman, 4 Richard Smith (15 Jack Langston 46m) , 5 James O’Neill, 6 Ryan Wynter, 7 Jack Partridge, 8 Tom Urwin (14 George Cater 46m) , 9 Tom Hill (12 Muzzy Nduna 46m) , 10 Will Whieldon, 11 Danny Cocks. Unused Sub 16 Sam Luke (only 4 subs named)
Rangers: 1 Adam Whitehouse, 2 Lewis Banks, 3 James Askey, 4 Luke Jones, 5 Daniel Burns, 6 Josh Green (14 Andrai Jones 64m), 7 Theo Bailey-Jones, 8 Jack Sherratt (12 Ethan Stanton 46m), 9 Jake Charles, 10 Tom Thorley, 11 Izak Reid (16 Harry Benns 46m). Unused Subs 15 Joe Cuff, 17 Ben Chilcott
Cautions: Hardiman, Wynter (Chasetown) Reid, Bailey-Jones (Rangers)
Sent Off: Cocks (Chasetown) – 2 cautions
Referee: Scott Chalkley
Att: 198
Report: Chris Elsley
Hit after hit, anthem after anthem, guaranteed to blow your mind, as quoted by the BBC “as close as it gets”
Stafford Rangers welcome warmly, Flash a tribute to Queen.
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Sadly, their prize money does not match Buildbase so as a result, it is unknown as to what side Steve Burr will put out. Does he keep faith in the team who despite a man disadvantage put up a spirited performance to beat Rushall. Or does he give youth a chance and give fringe players a run out. As we all know, such action backfired last week at Lye Town in the Walsall Senior Cup. What it means, is that we hope fans will travel to boost our following and support the team. Remember too, there is a very good chance to see several former Rangers players in the Chasetown line up.
In the summer, many fans picked Scott Dundas to be our next manager. Like Steve, Scott was a well-respected former player who took Chasetown to the division 1 play offs last season. Had they won they would have been at level 3 like ourselves and may even had been league rivals. Yet in a few months Chasetown find themselves in a relegation battle as they lie just outside the relegation places on goal difference and 1 point away from bottom spot. With only one league win all season, and non at home, I am sure Chasetown will be out to put one over their near neighbours and progress into the next round and follow up on their pre season victory over us.
Games played this century on 30th October
2004 Gateshead H 2-1 FA Cup 4th Qualifying round
2007 Cambridge Utd A 1-5 FA Cup 4th Qualifying round
2010 Solihull A 1-1 Conference North
2012 Chorley H 1-0 Northern Premier League
