Raising the Bar
This week sees us return to Lincolnshire, with Gainsborough the destination.
Our game is a Northern Premier League Premier Division match between Gainsborough Trinity and Prescot Cables.
Like last weekend’s game between Scunthorpe United and Brackley Town, Gainsborough Trinity are hunting for a playoff spot, while the visitors are threatened with relegation.
This will be my eleventh visit to an NPL Premier club, marking the halfway point in the division, which currently holds 21 clubs.
I still shake my head at the missed opportunities of years past. How many grounds could I have visited by now if my nomadic hobby weren’t such a new thing?
I recently saw that journalist Tony Incenzo completed his lifelong dream of visiting every football club in the national pyramid.
This is over 2,000 grounds and represents incredible devotion to the hobby. Especially so when you consider that Tony also goes to every Queens Park Rangers game, home and away!
Tony has raised the bar for Hoppers everywhere. I will never replicate that achievement, but it does make me wonder how many I can get to before I croak, or can’t do it anymore.
Anyway, for now, let’s see how we get on at ground number 212, Northolme!
The Journey
The day began with the 07:03 X1 bus to Newcastle.
Despite the blossoms showing on the trees, there was still a chill to the morning’s Northeast breeze.
I arrived in Newcastle’s Eldon Square bus station at 08:00. From here, I walked to Central Station, ten minutes away.
The 08:35 Cross Country train to Reading was already on Platform 10. The doors opened about 5 minutes before departure, and I took my seat.
I was lucky enough to have some great company for the journey. Unfortunately, I never got their names, but I hope they enjoyed their day at the snooker in Sheffield.
The conversation made the journey south pass quickly, and we arrived at 10:25.
I made my way to my connecting Northern train, heading to Lincoln Central, and we left Sheffield at 10:39.
The journey lasted approximately an hour, and we arrived in Gainsborough’s Lea Road station at 11:35.
While I get my bearings, why not have a read about the town?
Gainsborough
The town of Gainsborough is in Lincolnshire, in eastern England.
It sits on the eastern bank of the River Trent, around 18 miles northwest of Lincoln. It is roughly 35 miles east of Sheffield, while Nottingham is around 43 miles to the southwest. Last weekend’s destination, Scunthorpe, is roughly 16 miles north, with Hetton-le-Hole lying 129 miles to the north.
At the 2021 Census, Gainsborough had a population of approximately 21,908, up from 19,833 in 2011.
Gainsborough takes its name from the Old English ‘Gegnesburh‘, meaning ‘fortified place of a man called Gegn‘.
Early History
Gainsborough’s history stretches back to the Anglo-Saxon period, when it developed as an important settlement along the River Trent. Its position made it a key route for trade and travel, and by the early medieval period, it had become a notable centre of activity.
The town briefly held national importance in the early 11th century. Following the death of King Sweyn Forkbeard in 1014, his son Cnut (or Canute) was proclaimed king in Gainsborough before later securing control of England. This moment placed the town at the centre of a major turning point in English history.
Gainsborough grew as a market town and river port. The River Trent facilitated the movement of goods between the Midlands and the North Sea, supporting trade in grain, timber and other materials. The town’s markets became an important part of life in the surrounding rural region.
One of the most significant historic buildings in the town is Gainsborough Old Hall, a well-preserved medieval manor house dating from the 15th century. It reflects the town’s wealth and status during the late medieval period and remains a key tourist attraction today.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Gainsborough had further developed into an industrial and commercial centre. Engineering and manufacturing grew alongside its traditional river trade. The town became known for industries such as agricultural machinery and, later, production of the Rose National motor car.
The River Trent continued to play an important role during this period, with docks and warehouses supporting trade and industry. Gainsborough’s position on the river helped it remain connected to wider markets across England.
During the Second World War, Gainsborough contributed to the war effort through its industries, although it did not experience the level of bombing seen in larger industrial centres.
Post War
Following the Second World War, Gainsborough experienced changes similar to those of many smaller industrial towns. Traditional manufacturing industries declined over time, leading to shifts in employment and the local economy.
In response, the town adapted by developing a more mixed economy. Retail, services and smaller businesses became increasingly important, while efforts were made to regenerate parts of the town and attract new investment.
Gainsborough forms part of the wider West Lindsey district, alongside towns and villages such as Market Rasen and Caistor. The surrounding area remains largely rural, with strong links to agriculture and the countryside.
Today, Gainsborough retains much of its historic character, particularly around the Old Hall and along the riverside. Its location on the River Trent continues to shape its identity, linking its past as a trading port with its present as a regional town.
From its role of ‘kingmaker’ in English history to its development as a market and industrial town, Gainsborough has evolved over the centuries while maintaining a connection to its heritage.
Notable People from Gainsborough
Rock guitarist, Andy Dalby (Kingdom Come) – Footballer, Harry Davies (played over 389 games over two spells with Stoke City between the World Wars) – Author and poet, Thomas Miller – Artist, John Collingham Moore – Actors, John Alderton, Julia Deakin, Peter Martin, and Sybil Thorndike.
The Walk Into Town
The walk from Lea Road station to Gainsborough Trinity’s Northolme ground is 1.3 miles and takes around 30 minutes on foot.
Of course, I chose to make it slightly longer by taking the path along the River Trent.
With the sun starting to pop through the clouds, it seemed like a no-brainer compared to the busy roads.
After passing the Baltic Mill Park and Garden, I turned back onto the main road and headed towards my first watering hole of choice.
The White Horse
There are three pubs very close together at this juncture: The King Sweyn Forkbeard (Wetherspoons), and The Canute, another modern-looking building, both honouring the former kings of Denmark and England.
Across the road from these establishments is The White Horse, a more typical old-fashioned-looking boozer.
After ordering a pint of Guinness, costing me £4.10, I sat at a table with three older gentlemen and was welcomed into the fold.
One was a Spurs fan, another a Leicester City fan, but all three were Gainsborough Trinity fans, also heading to the game.
A big thanks to them for letting me join their company.
After a while, they drank up and said they were heading to another pub, and if I wished to, I could join them there.
I told them I would see them later.
After finishing my pint, I headed back across the road to grab some dinner from Johnson’s Traditional Fish and Chips.
I bought regular chips and a fishcake for a grand total of £5.20, and took my spoils to sit on a bench by the river.
By the time I was halfway through, I was full. Only my stubbornness kept me going to the end.
Friendly staff, reasonably priced, hot, tasty and filling.
A proper chippy.
After putting my litter in the nearby bin, I headed off towards Gainsborough’s best-known landmark.
Gainsborough Old Hall is an English Heritage site, largely built in the latter part of the 15th century.
It is situated in the heart of the town and is a superbly preserved piece of history.
Opposite is the Gainsborough Library, which is an impressive building in its own right.
Just along the road was my second chosen watering hole.
The Horse and Jockey
The Horse and Jockey stands on the corner of a road junction, with the entrance being to the right in the photo above.
Inside, I headed to the bar where a pint of Guinness cost me £4.65.
My new friends were there and told me to sit with them. I asked the barmaid how the pub had got its name, as Gainsborough doesn’t seem to be a horse racing town.
After some Googling, she said the name seems to derive from its former status as a coaching inn.
Disappointing, really. The pictures of horse racing on the wall are clearly meaningless to its heritage.
Both of the pubs I went into in the town were friendly and reasonably priced, though nothing special.
However, both are preferable to chain pubs like Marstons and Wetherspoons, and hopefully, they can survive the modern-day pressures facing pubs everywhere.
After leaving the pub, I walked the rest of the way to Northolme.
Gainsborough Trinity – Northolme
Before entering, I walked around the parts of the ground that I could access.
The clubhouse entrance is at the southwest corner, as shown in the photo above.
There is another bar on the north side of the ground, but a sign says this is for club officials.
Getting In
Entry to Northolme is on the west side of the ground, though there is an away turnstile, presumably for higher-risk games.
Payment is via cash or card and costs £13.00.
After asking the gateman about programmes and pin badges, I was directed to the club shop.
Club Shop
After entering the ground, the clubhouse is in the northwest corner, to the left.
Inside, I bought a programme and a pin badge.
Disappointingly, the pin badges were again on the expensive side at £4.50, though at least they were metal, unlike last week’s terrible offering at Scunthorpe United.
There were a few odds and ends for sale beside the usual fayre, including old programmes and books
Programme
The Holy Blues Review costs £2.50. For this, you get 36 glossy pages of content, including 9 pages of adverts (25%).
Content includes words from the manager, Russ Wilcox, and the captain, Bobby Johnson.
There is a round-up from the Non-League Paper, an article by Dale Storey of Radio Lincolnshire, and photos from their recent game at Lancaster City.
A double-page article by Turnstiles UK, a look back at programmes from the past, and 3 pages on Prescot Cables.
There is a round-up of the previous week’s NPL Premier matches from the NPL Podcast and a ‘Final Push’ article from Ross Jackson.
Plus all the usual features, such as fixtures/results, player sponsors, and the league table.
I would say that the Holy Blues Review is an above-average programme, simply because of the number of articles. Many programmes have a dearth of content and are filled with adverts and meaningless clutter.
Not so this one – there is plenty of reading material to keep the reader occupied pre-game and at half-time.
HG score: A solid 8.5/10, and well done to all involved.
West Terrace
Between the turnstiles and the club shop is the West Terrace.
The terrace is covered and is seven steps deep, with two rows of crush barriers.
My initial thought was that this would be where I would watch the game. I love a good terrace, but after walking around, I found an even better choice.
Indeed, the terrace lover is spoiled for choice at Northolme.
During the first half, this is where the Prescot Cables fans congregated.
Around 35 of them had made the trip east. A commendable effort for a club threatened with relegation, at level 7 of the pyramid.
North Side
The northern side of the stadium is where the main stand is located.
With a capacity of 504, the main stand provides the stadium’s only seating.
To its left is ‘The Club on the Park’, the clubhouse I had seen from the outside for club officials. This also has an outer window providing snacks.
There is a small one-step terrace between this bar and the main stand, with a similar setup on the other side as well.
East Terrace
The eastern end of the ground is an open terrace, eleven steps deep.
There are two rows of crush barriers running the length of the terrace, while a blue corrugated fence forms the rear boundary.
South Terrace
The south side of the ground is yet another terrace, this one being covered and five steps deep.
There is a segregation fence partway along the terrace.
With the away fans’ turnstile on the other side of the ground, I’m not sure how this works for a game where segregation is in place.
This is the terrace where I decided to stay and watch the match from.
Gainsborough Trinity – Northolme Gallery
Northolme Trivia
Northolme was built in the 1850s and originally used as a cricket ground.
By 1884, Gainsborough Trinity moved in and has been there ever since.
A sign outside the ground proudly claims that Northolme is the ‘Oldest single team ground in the world’.
The first Football League game was played at the ground on 12th September 1896, in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
The record EFL attendance was set on 29th April 1911, with 5,600 spectators in attendance for a 3-1 victory over Chelsea.
This attendance was surpassed in the 1940s, when the Holy Blues hosted a crowd of 9,760 for a Midland League match against nearby neighbours Scunthorpe United.
Both Worksop Town and Boston United have temporarily called Northolme ‘home’ in 1992 and 2020/21, respectively.
The stadium is owned by Gainsborough Trinity Supporters’ Club, and has a capacity of 4,300.
Gainsborough Trinity Tidbits
The Gainsborough Trinity Football Club was founded in 1873.
The Holy Blues are an historic non-league club and one of the oldest football institutions in England, and were a founding member of the Football League’s Second Division.
Gainsborough Trinity originally played friendly matches and local fixtures during the early years of organised football. As the sport developed nationally, the club gained a reputation as one of the stronger sides in Lincolnshire.
By the late nineteenth century, Gainsborough Trinity had joined regional leagues, including the Midland League, where it competed against other emerging clubs from across the Midlands and north of England.
Football League Membership (1896 to 1912)
A major milestone came in 1896, when Gainsborough Trinity became a founding member of the Football League Second Division.
The club remained in the Football League for 16 seasons, competing in the Second Division until 1912. During this period, Gainsborough Trinity recorded its highest league finish, sixth place in 1904/05.
Despite these efforts, the club struggled to maintain its position and failed to secure re-election in 1912, ending its tenure in the Football League.
Following its exit from the EFL, Gainsborough Trinity returned to the Midland League, where it achieved considerable success. The club won the league title on multiple occasions, establishing itself as one of the strongest non-league sides in the region.
This period marked a prolonged period outside the Football League, with the club maintaining a competitive presence and regularly challenging for honours at the regional level.
Post-War Years and League Changes
As the structure of non-league football evolved, Gainsborough Trinity joined the Northern Premier League in 1968, becoming a member of one of the most prominent competitions below the Football League.
The club experienced mixed fortunes over the following decades, including periods of relegation and promotion.
A significant achievement came in 2006/07, when Gainsborough Trinity won the Northern Premier League Premier Division title, earning promotion to the Conference North (now National League North).
Since then, Gainsborough Trinity has competed primarily within the National League North and the NPL Premier Division.
The club has also participated regularly in national cup competitions. This includes reaching the FA Cup second round proper and the FA Trophy.
The current manager of Gainsborough Trinity is Russ Wilcox, who has been in charge since 19th September 2023.
They Played for Gainsborough Trinity
Kenny Arthur, Phil Barnes, Luke Beckett, Trevor Benjamin, Linton Brown, Kenny Burns, Steve Cherry, Paul Crichton, Clayton Donaldson, Matt Godden, Mark Greaves, CJ Hamilton, Mark Hudson, Dave Norton, Paul Raynor, Dave Reeves, Andy Saville, Steve Sherwood, Glynn Snodin, Phil Stant, Neil Warnock, and Darren Williams.
Sharing a Gainsborough Trinity and Stoke City shirt over the years: Sam Aiston, Harry Brigham, Paul Connor, Ally Pickering, Geoff Salmons, and Gavin Ward.
Gainsborough Trinity – Pre-Game View of Northolme
Gainsborough Trinity v Prescot Cables – The Game
Form
Coming into today’s game, Gainsborough Trinity sit in 5th place in the NPL Premier Division.
After 38 games, they have won 16, drawn 11, and lost 11, scoring 48 goals and conceding 40.
In their last four outings, the Holy Blues have won one, drawn one and lost two.
There have been defeats against Lancaster City and Stockton Town, with a 2-1 home win over Guiseley sandwiched in between.
A 3-0 defeat at Lancaster City’s Giant Axe was their last outing on 11th April.
Opponents, Prescot Cables lie 20th of 21.
After 38 games, they have won 7, drawn 15, and lost 16, scoring 36 goals and conceding 49.
In their last 4 matches, Cables have lost 3 and drawn one. In their last outing, they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Leek Town.
Given all this information, I foresee a close-fought, cagey game, with a single goal deciding the outcome.
Pre-match prediction: Gainsborough Trinity 1 Prescot Cables 0
Kick-Off
Summary
The first half of this game was a bit of a borefest, if I’m honest.
Neither team could get anything of note going, and chances were at a premium.
If anything, I’d say the visitors looked the more likely to strike first, though, in truth, neither side deserved much.
Second Half
Moving swiftly on, the second half was a more interesting spectacle.
Another interesting spectacle was the visiting supporters from Merseyside. We had a priest, a banana, a cow and a donkey among the 35 or so fans who made the trip east.
Fair play to them, and the day got even better for the visitors.
The Holy Blues started to apply some pressure and had a couple of decent chances to take the lead.
O.G. Takes Control
However, it was the Cables who got the opening goal in the 61st minute.
A hopeful free-kick into the box was booted into Jack Leckie, before spinning past David Robson into the Holy Blues’ net.
A most unfortunate own-goal, though the NPL website has John Murphy down as the goalscorer.
An equaliser for Trinity also came via the prolific o.g.
This time, it was a back header from one of Sisa Tuntulwana’s huge Rory Delap-style throw-ins.
These had been a useful weapon throughout the game, with Tuntulwana getting some real distance on them.
As a Stoke City fan, I would suggest he could improve them further by flattening his trajectory. This is what really made Delap’s throw-ins so dangerous.
So, with Gainsborough back in the playoff spots, would there be time for a home winner?
No, but there was time for Cables to go straight up the other end and restore their lead within a few seconds.
Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to record either of the Cables’ goals. Apologies.
A home defender’s slip allowed Jack Goodwin to cross the ball to an unmarked Tom Scully, who put the ball into the net.
Joy for banana, cow and donkey, though the home fans were in stunned disbelief after their renewed hope a few seconds earlier.
Despite much huffing and puffing, the Holy Blues were unable to get a second equaliser.
Precot Cables earned an unlikely three points to aid their relegation fight, sending their fans… bananas?
You can read a full Match Report here, courtesy of the Gainsborough Trinity website.
Full-time – Gainsborough Trinity 1 Prescot Cables 2
Attendance – 742
Entrance Fee – £13.00
Programme – £2.50
Gainsborough Trinity v Prescot Cables – Match Highlights
If and when match highlights become available, I will post them here.
Meanwhile, here is an interview with Trinity manager Russ Wilcox discussing the defeat.
League Table After Today’s Game
Up Next
Gainsborough Trinity’s final (regular) game of the season is away to Hyde United on 25th April.
Prescot Cables will host Bamber Bridge in their final game on the same date.
Gainsborough Trinity Thoughts
What a hidden gem Northolme is!
This may be my new favourite NPL Premier ground.
Terrace lovers like me will love the freedom Northolme gives you, with three sides of the ground terraced, and further terracing on either side of the main stand.
The club shop is small, but packed with interesting stuff, though the pin badges are a little expensive in my opinion.
On the other hand, the programme is of good quality and great value at £2.50.
The walk to the ground was nice in the sunshine, and the pubs were friendly and reasonably priced.
Johnson’s chip shop was a good place to grab some lunch, though don’t be tempted to get greedy. The portions are generous.
The Holy Blues seem to have a decent fanbase. There were a couple of young groups with drums, and older fans joined in the singing on occasion.
I always like to see youngsters at games, as this is a sign that the club is actively engaging with the community and attracting the next generation of supporters.
If you have never been to Northolme, then I would absolutely recommend a visit!
Gainsborough – After the Game
Following the final whistle, I headed back toward Gainsborough Lea Road station.
I decided to take the same route back along the river that I had used to get here, and by now, the sun was shining on a lovely afternoon/early evening.
It took 35 unhurried minutes to meander my way back, taking a few more photos along the way.
The 17:45 Northern train to Leeds arrived on schedule and arrived in Sheffield an hour later.
From here, I boarded the 19:22 Cross Country train to Edinburgh.
We arrived in Newcastle at 21:45. This gave me plenty of time to wander to the bus stop before catching the 22:10 X1 home.
I got through my front door at 23:10, completing a long but enjoyable day.
Another successful Hop in the books!
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Next Up for Hoppers Guide
Next week, we’re taking a week off from blogging to enjoy a big football game.
I am heading to Hebburn Town, where a win sees them crowned Northern Premier League champions.
I enjoy my visits here, and it would be lovely to see the club’s hard work in recent years rewarded with further success.
I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, Hebburn Town is a club on the up.
With a further investment in infrastructure and community in the pipeline, things are only getting better for the South Tyneside club.
My next trip will be another tick in Scottish League Two, with East Kilbride hosting Clyde.
It’s a huge day for The Kilby, with a back-to-back promotion on the horizon.
Only The Spartans can prevent it, and with both clubs being recent additions to the SPFL, it highlights the Lowland League’s strength.
It also highlights the need for an automatic promotion spot to replace the terrible playoff system.
To get promoted, Lowland League and Highland League title winners have to play each other to win the right to play against the bottom side in League Two. If they win both playoff games, they will have the right to be promoted.
For me, the game between the Highland League and Lowland League champions should be for promotion at the expense of the bottom-placed side.
Still, what do fans know about football?
I’m sure the SFA have their reasons for protecting teams, despite the evidence showing the strength of teams from below.
I look forward to this one, as always.
Onto the next!
EDIT: This game was already sold out when I tried to buy tickets. My next review will now come in the 2026/27 season while I watch a few local games at grounds I’ve already reviewed.
