Blues hopes flounder in the Bay

The Blues were left 12 points off fifth place Altrincham, with only four games remaining, after a second half spot-kick consigned Steve Housham’s men to a disappointing loss.

A dour first half had only one real talking point, as Trinity stopper Jan Budtz grabbed the ball outside the box to deny Bay striker Rob Hopley, and was lucky to only see yellow by referee Steve Copeland.

The Seagulls took the lead just one minute into the second period, as Greg Young bundled over Ellison in the area and Mr Copleand awarded a penalty.

Ellison picked himself up to send the ball into the right hand corner of the net from 12 yards.

Gainsborough’s Craig Nelthorpe should have equalised minutes later, but put an effort wide from just three yards.

That was the midfielder’s last positive contribution, as he received his marching orders on 57 minutes for an over-the-ball tackle on Jamie Crowther.

Mr Copeland had his red card out again with 18 minutes left in the game, Hopley joining Nelthorpe in the dressing rooms after clashing with Terry Hawkridge, who was booked for his part in the off-the-ball incident.

Mark Jones had a chance to grab an equaliser, but nodded wide from Jamie Yates’ cross, and keeper Chris Sanna made a fantastic flying save to keep out Hawkridge’s spectacular free-kick effort in added time.

Along with the bitterly disappointing consequences of the defeat, Trinity were left counting the cost in terms of playing staff, as Shane Clarke and Bradley Barraclough sustained serious injuries.