It was a nerve wracking start to the game this afternoon at The Northolme Stadium. Gainsborough almost had the opener on the 10th minute after Helliwell took a shot, but his effort went inches past Cameron’s goal. Two minutes later, Cameron made a stellar save after claiming a shot by Butroid.

It seemed to be the home side that were dominating the game. In the 16th minute, Jackson made an attempt to give his team the lead, but he hit the post. Minutes later, it was Howe that scored the opener. He flicked the ball out of reach for Cameron, and the ball flew straight into the top corner.

There was a slight change in possession to The Hornets around the 25 minute mark. Purewal won a free-kick in the home side’s half. Noble crossed the ball and it met with Elsdon, but his effort sailed out for a goal-kick.

Howe almost had a second in the 31st minute as he headed towards goal via the edge of the box, and passed the ball back to Butroid. His shot was blocked by Elsdon, and the action stopped as the referee called for offside.

Posthill forced a corner off a Trinity defender. Nobles crossed the ball into the box, Spence connected with a header, but Robson was able to claim the ball.

An excellent save by Cameron as he kept out Preston’s shot to prevent The Blues from doubling their lead right at the half time whistle.

The Hornets open the second half with a bang as Turner brings us level!! Posthill forced a corner, Noble crossed the ball, and Turner took over with a header to put us on the scoresheet!

Minutes later Posthill looked to take the lead, but his shot hit the crossbar.

The first change for The Hornets was made in the 63rd minute, with Harry Richardson replacing Olly Martin on the pitch.

The game was looking to be one of two halves for the first 15 minutes of the second half. Gainsborough dominated the first half, just to be outplayed by Hebburn. However, Trinity player Preston changed this.

Gainsborough doubled their lead in the 71st minute. Preston, already in The Hornet’s box, received the ball from Howe and fired the ball straight into the net from close range.

Five minutes later, Trinity looked to have a third but all efforts were blocked by Cameron.

Amar Purewal makes an effort to level at the 84th minute mark, but a Trinity defender swiped the ball at the last minute.

The referee indicated a minimum of 5 minutes added time and the home side took advantage, as Declan Howe claimed his second goal in the 90th minute.

A frustrating afternoon for the Hornets with the full time score being 3-1. We look forward to welcoming Stockton Town to Hebburn Sports Ground on Easter Monday.

LINEUPS -

Gainsborough Trinity Starting XI -
1. David Robson, 2. Aaron Simpson, 3. Ashley Jackson, 4. Bobby Johnson, 5. Will Lancaster (C),6. Charlie Hickingbottom, 7. Lewis Butroid, 8. Jordan Helliwell, 9. Javelle Clarke, 10. Declan Howe, 11. Fraser Preston.

Subs-
12. Bailey Conway, 13. Dylan Wharton, 14. Jordan Hallam, 15. Curtis Durose, 16. George Hornshaw

Hebburn Town Starting XI -
1. Daniel Cameron, 2. Robbie Spence, 3. Liam Murray, 4. Leo Robinson, 5. Michael Turner, 6. Matthew Elsdon, 7. Liam Noble, 8. Joao Pedro Gomes, 9. Amar Purewal (C), 10. Olly Martin, 11. Joe Posthill

Subs-
12. Harry Richardson, 13. Kieran Hunter, 14. Daniel Moore.