The first real signs of Spring and it’s a pleasant, bright if hazy sunny day as our 10:45am Coach leaves Irongate on route to The Northolme in Lincolnshire and the home venue of today’s opponents Gainsborough Trinity. A re-arranged fixture following our journey Eastwards in late November last year, when having arrived in the Town at around 1:30pm, The club were advised that the match referee had decided the pitch was waterlogged and unfit to play on. Not an entirely wasted journey though. An afternoon visit to The White Hart in the lovely village of Bawtry near Doncaster saved the day.

The Superb Elm Cottage 

No Storm Bert to worry about this time as the Club coach headed across the M62, stopping in Bawtry again for the players and fans to grab a few snacks in Sainsbury’s. Before arriving at The Northolme Stadium for 1:30pm. In good time for us Briggers to nip round the corner to the Elm Cottage, a fine watering hole and made in even better for John Lickley when he spotted his favourite Ossett Brewery Real Ale, “White Rat” Sat amongst the array of pumps on the bar. Forest v Man City on the telly, White Rat and various other liquid comestibles ordered, the Brig fans enjoyed their customary pre match ritual of talking beer, football and general nonsense!

Briggers looking suitably impressed

Twenty to three and back across the road to the Football Ground, entrance via the Trinity Clubhouse and Nick immediately noticed another favourite beer on Sale. The Superb Czech Lager, Staroprammen. I’m with Nick on this one, superb drop of the amber stuff. Well it would have been rude not to have one wouldn’t it?.

Beer consumed and into the ground just in time for kick off. A full match report by Seth Boardman, will be posted online and sent for print for next Weekend’s match programme when Brig entertain Matlock Town in what is now an absolute six pointer.

Northolme Stadium

An often argued fact about The Northolme Stadium is that some historians claim it to be The world's oldest serving single team ground. Gainsborough Trinity have played football here since 1860. The counter argument is that Hallam FC from Sheffield have played at their Sandygate Road Stadium since the late 1850’s. However there was apparently a 20 year Gap between the 1930’s and 1950’s when Hallam FC didn’t play at Sandygate Rd, hence the claim from Trinity supporters that they hold that record for continuous use as a football ground.

Main Stand

Back to matters on the day and a first half performance from Brig, best described as “a bit flat” saw them go in at the break trailing 2-0 to a Trinity side playing with freedom and little if any threat of being involved in a relegation scrap. The second half saw a marked improvement form Bamber Bridge. A fine Robbie Cleary goal got us back in to the match before in the dying embers of the game the referee missed, or ignored the most blatant handball penalty decision you are likely to see anywhere this season. A defenders raised arm and a flick of the wrist in the penalty area saw the ball flash away to safety. Brig fans and players alike were incensed at the non decision of the officials, but to little avail. It was little consolation that to a man, every Gainsborough Trinity fan in the club house post match agreed they “Got away with that one”.

Game over and it’s defeat on the road and all the on the pitch thoughts move towards next weekends crunch fixture at Irongate against Matlock Town, (Today if you’re reading this in the match programme) who currently sit just one point behind Brig and occupy the final relegation spot. The biggest game of the season and I dare say it will be a very nervy affair on and off the pitch.

Gainsborough Clubhouse

A long but pleasant journey back Westward to Lancashire, arriving back at Irongate at 8:30pm. A long day, a disappointing result but nonetheless, another fabulous away trip following the Brig. Win, lose or draw, we’ll be there making the most of it.

Cheers, Alan Bateson.