Premier Preview: Gainsborough continue impressive form

Curtis Woodhouse’s side are now unbeaten in their last 10 league games, with the side preparing for an away trip to Buxton this weekend.

Greg Smith has proved an important part of the team in their unbeaten run since arriving late December, with the forward yet to lose a game at the Holy Blues.

“It’s amazing,” Woodhouse told Gainsborough Trinity TV, discussing the victory over Stalybridge.

“The start of the run was the worst performance since I’ve been at Gainsborough Trinity. We played at Hyde and I think I said it was probably one of the worst performances I’ve been involved in as a manager, but looking back now it was the start of our 10-game run.

“It’s fantastic. I think sometimes when things are going right, the manager gets all the credit and when things are going wrong, the manager gets all the stick. For me, players win football games and they’ve got to take so much credit. We’re out there on the dugout doing our best but it’s the lads out there that are winning the games.”

At the top of the table by two points, South Shields have drawn in their last two league fixtures and will host play-off side Nantwich Town at Mariners Park.

Lancaster City jumped up to third place following their 2-1 victory over Warrington Town last weekend at the Giant Axe, and they travel to Radcliffe, who have dropped down to 12th place and are without a win in their last eight league fixtures.

In fourth place, in-form FC United of Manchester rewarded manager Neil Reynolds with a new two-year contract, while they also booked their place in the Manchester Premier Cup final after beating Irlam 2-1. They travel to Basford United, who missed out on a chance to go top last weekend.

Just dropping outside of the play-offs, Warrington Town will host Matlock Town on Sunday, February 9, with star-man Ben Garrity making the move from the Yellows to League 1 club Blackpool FC this week for an undisclosed fee.

Matlock manager Paul Phillips has claimed four points out of a possible six in his two games in charge so far.

At the foot of the table by seven points, Stafford Rangers host Stalybridge Celtic at Marston Road.

Ashton United fell to their first defeat in five games to Scarborough Athletic, and they look to bounce back at Hurst Cross as they face Witton Albion.

Atherton Collieries host Morpeth Town, while Grantham Town travel to Bamber Bridge.

Following their victory over Ashton, Scarborough Athletic travel away to Hyde United, and Mickleover Sports host Whitby.