TRINITY SHOW RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
GAINSBOROUGH Trinity took a step towards avoiding National North relegation while ending Kidderminster’s automatic promotion hopes in a tight affair in Lincolnshire.
Gainsborough, one point above the drop zone, will have their fate determined at FC United on the final day.
Trinity manager Dave Frecklington said: “Our boys have been outstanding. Apart from one lapse of concentration they haven’t tested our goalkeeper.
“We have got our heads above water and have it all to play for next weekend. The hunger and desire in the camp is right up there.”
Second-placed Harriers started brightly, with James McQuilkin’s shot squirming past Tom Nicholson, only to hit the post.
Trinity schemer Cecil Nyoni was dominating the midfield battle and his doggedness in the middle of the park set the tone for Trinity’s opener.
A quality Nathan Jarman strike on 20 minutes settled the home sides’ nerves after Trinity had defended resolutely in the opening stages.
Despite Harriers’ dominance in possession, they failed to really trouble Nicholson in the Gainsborough goal.
After taking the lead, Trinity enjoyed a spell on top and could have gone in at the break further ahead.
Moments after the restart, Jarman looked to double his tally with an audacious effort from halfway in an attempt to catch Sam Hornby off his line. Trinity were made to pay for not extending their lead five minutes into the second half, in a high-stakes game for both sides.
Kidderminster substitute Andre Brown profited from a defensive slip to level the scores, Nicholson with no chance as Brown finished confidently from 12 yards.
Harriers’ confidence soared and they gave Trinity a thorough examination, but the Holy Blues, marshalled by the outstanding Chris Salt, held firm.
Arthur Gnahoua went close with a 20-yard snapshot that whistled narrowly wide before the hosts had the chance to grab a winner.
Hornby did brilliantly to save Chib Chilaka’s fero
cious strike and Ashley Worsfold’s follow up effort hit the side-netting after he held off Keith Lowe.
Gainsborough were able to secure a valuable point in their battle to avoid the drop, while Kidderminster must settle for the end of season play-off lottery.
“We were unlucky not to win. We dominated the entire second half but Gainsborough were tough to break down,” Harriers boss John Eustace said.
“We will take the point and move on to the play-offs. We look forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”
STAR MAN: Chris Salt (Gainsborough) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★