Gainsborough Trinity boss Wilcox satisfied with opening friendly win
Gainsborough Trinity boss Russ Wilcox was satisfied with his side's opening 4-0 pre-season friendly away win at Frickley Athletic on Saturday.
Lewis Butroid, Javelle Clarke, Connor Brown and Jack Watson all found the net on a hot afternoon and Wilcox said: “Pre-season is all about fitness.
“We've shown some good movement and rotation and scored a couple of goals too.
“I know that was our Achilles heel last season.
"But we just want to make sure we are doing the basics right, the fundamentals of the game right – the recovery runs - that things are done properly.”
Exercising caution, Wilcox went on: "It's still early doors, pre-season is pre-season.
“I don't really like it - and you've got to be careful with it.
“Look at last season. We were unbeaten in seven pre-season games, but we got spanked 3-0 in the first game.
"It doesn't mean a lot, but it's good to get through unscathed.
“We've got a couple of niggles with Elliot Whitehouse and Bobby Johnson - and we don't want to be picking up any more.”
The Holy Blues were due to take on Lincoln United on Tuesday in the Preliminary Round of the Lincolnshire Senior County Cup as preparations continue ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
On Saturday, Trinity then travel to Basford United for their penultimate away game of the seven-match pre-season schedule (1pm kick off).
Saturday also marks the final Trinity Tidy Up, the annual spring clean of their Kal Group Stadium home, where volunteers are encouraged to attend from 9am to help around the ground, from weeding the terraces to cleaning around or giving a fresh lick of paint.
The Holy Blues run a three week block ahead of the first home friendly to ensure the Northolme is ready to throw open its doors for the new season.
The Northern Premier League fixtures are due to be announced this Friday as the Blues prepare to welcome seven new teams into the Premier Division in Alfreton Town, Curzon Ashton, Redcar Athletic, Emley, Bury, Avro and Quorn.