Gainsborough Trinity vs Rushall Olympic - Match Predicition and Best Bet - Saturday 7th December 2024

The FA Trophy third round is here, with teams dreaming of playing at Wembley. Matthew O'Regan previews one of the standout ties as Gainsborough Trinity host Rushall Olympic at the Northolme.

Gainsborough Trinity

Division:

Northern Premier League Premier Division (Step 3)

Run So Far:

Third Qualifying Round: - Kettering (A) - 0-2

First Round: - Clitheroe (A)- 1-4

Second Round: - Chester (H) - 1-0

Best Fa Trophy Finish:

Semi-Finals - 2012/2013

Season So Far

Gainsborough beat higher-ranked opposition in Chester (National League North) to reach the second round. It extended their impressive run of form that saw them beat Darlington (National League North) and Boston United (National League), as well as beating Southern League Central table toppers Kettering.

Owing to their success in the FA Trophy and FA Cup so far, Gainsborough have played at least four and, in some cases, six fewer league games than the rest of the Northern Premier League Premier Division. They haven't played in the league for nearly a month and don't until they travel to Mickleover on the 10th of December.

While Trinity are in the relegation zone due to their lack of games, there is a real belief that this side can finish in the playoffs. A battling 1-0 defeat at League Two Harrogate Town saw them bow out of the FA Cup and thwarted a run of nine games unbeaten, taking a host of scalps along the way.

In Declan Howe, Gainsborough have one of the most inform strikers in non-league. The talisman has 18 for the season already.

Rushall Olympic

Division:

National League North (Step 2)

Run So Far:

Second Round: Royston (A) - 0-1

Best Fa Trophy Finish:

TBC - 2024/2025

After finishing 19th in their first-ever season in the National League North, Rushall Olympic look destined for a drop back down to Step Three. The Pics currently sit bottom, eight adrift from safety and without a win in nine in the league.

A 3-0 loss to Hereford was the writing on the wall for popular manager Adam Stevens, who was dismissed. They then won the first game of the new era, scrapping past Hanley in the Staffordshire Cup midweek. With only four changes from Hereford, Rushall may be suffering from fatigue heading into a crunch tie with Gainsborough.

The Pics away form has been the biggest letdown, losing eight of their nine on their travels, and they may struggle to get a result on Saturday.

Prediction: Gainsborough Trinity to win @3.00

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