Skipper Simon Ainge will bring out best in Gainsborough Trinity's youngsters - Curtis Woodhouse

The former Bradford City, Luton Town and Harrogate man is no stranger to this level, having won the Unibond Premier with Guiseley in 2009.Now Woodhouse wants his non-league nouse to guide the young Holy Blues players.

"We've got some really bright young players. Whether they'll be able to handle the Northern premier League and how robust it is remains to be seen," the manager aid.

"That'll be put to the test when the season starts. That's the reason the spine of our teams' so important, why we've got Simon Ainge, Martyn Woolford and Gregg Smith there.

"The rest is sprinkled with youth and pace and energy and it really excites me, but the spine's vital."

Ainge, a teammate of Woolford at Boston United last season as the Pilgrims reached the National League North play-off final, is a defender by trade, but had a spell in attack for Harrogate where he netted 35 times in 53 games.

"I'm thinking along the lines that if we get an injury to this player or that player, who can cover," Woodhouse added.

"The one player we probably couldn't replicate was a Gregg Smith, because there's not many Gregg Smiths around. But if Gregg went down Simon Ainge could do that exact same role.

"He did it for Harrogate and went on an unbelievable run and scored loads of goals.

"Primarily, I'm looking to play Simon Ainge at centre half but if we need a goal with five to go he'll be right up there with Gregg Smith - imagine those two as a partnership.

"It would be horrible for any young centre half trying to defender a corner against those two."

Trinity will kick off their Northern Premier League campaign at home on Saturday, September 19 when they host Hyde United.

This will be followed by away fixtures at Warrington Town (September 26) and Whitby Town (September 29).

The Holy Blues played out a goalles draw against a youthful Hull City side on Tuesday night.

Trinity came from 2-0 down to secure a draw at North Ferriby on Saturday. Ben Tomlinson pulled one back before Woolford levelled from the spot.