The Robins have pushed themselves to the limit in preparation for the 2025/26 season with stern tests in opposition against EFL outfits such as Salford City, Crewe Alexandra and Blackburn Rovers.

They have also come up against the likes of Halifax Town, Marine, Chadderton and Witton Albion to build momentum and gain invaluable match fitness heading into Saturday’s encounter with Gainsborough.

Having retained a pivotal core to last season’s squad that were narrowly defeated in the play-off semi-final to eventual promotion winners Worksop Town, Steve Cunningham has fresh additions to count among his ranks, with Luca Navarro and Willem Tomlinson alongside Jordan Eastham signing permanent deals at the club.

A Word From Newts

Looking ahead to Saturday, assistant-player manager, Sean Newton said: “Every single player is fit and ready to go, which is really good.

“With James Hardy, it’s a strange one; he just needs rest and recovery, but we hope to get him back as soon as possible because he’s a major part of what we do.

“In terms of the rest of the squad, we’re in a really good position.”

Opposition Watch

Russ Willcox’s squad have enjoyed a near-perfect pre-season with six wins and a draw, where the share of the spoils came against a strong EFL League 2 side in Grimsby Town.

Trinity have found the back of the net on 15 occasions, while only conceding four goals and keeping four clean sheets, too.

The likes of Javelle Clarke, Frank Mulhern and Jonny Margetts have all been regular features on the scoresheet.

Last season, Gainsborough finished hot on the heels of the Robins following an exceptional run of form. They picked up 21 points from a possible 30 in their last 10 league fixtures, propelling a seventh-place finish just five points below Steve Cunningham’s men who claimed the final play-off position.

Last Time We Met

Both sides last faced off against each other at Hurst Cross in mid, where Trinity emerged as 2-0 victors courtesy of goals from Declan Howe and Lewis Butroid.

Matchday

Tickets are available to purchase for cash or card payments at the turnstiles. They are priced at £13 for adults, £9 for concessions, and £4 for under-16s.

If you cannot make it to Lincolnshire, you can keep up to date via our Twitter feed @AshtonUnitedFC or by listening to our commentary on Robins Live.