New defence provides solid base to build on

Brian Little hailed his new-look defence as Gainsborough Trinity kept their first clean sheet since the end of October to earn a point with a goal-less draw against Ilkeston Town.

Relegation-threatened Trinity, who had shipped seven goals in their previous two Blue Square North games, faced a tough test on Saturday against Ilkeston's three lively frontmen, Gary Ricketts, Amari Morgan-Smith and Matt Godden.

Little fielded a much-changed team, particularly in defence.

At centre-back there was a debut for American Anthony Peters, alongside Andrew Boyce, another relatively new signing, while Alan O'Hare, who has rejoined the club on loan from York City, was at left-back.

Little was very pleased with the efforts of his defence and believes Trinity may have finally found a solid foundation to build on as they look to move out of the relegation zone.

"To have solid platform to work from is the most important thing in a team," said Little (pictured main).

"On Saturday, we looked a little more solid. We had the mobility and pace of Boyce and big Peters, plus their strength and physicality made us look a little different.

"The two centre-backs did well on a tough day for us.

"Anthony, who has not played a lot of football recently, and Andrew both did well.

"We changed so much on Saturday and were playing against a very powerful, strong and well-organised side, so we are pleased to have got something out of the game.

"In the second half they took the initiative and got strong, but we defended very well.

"Towards the end of the game they started to have a few half chances, but before that our goalkeeper did not have much to do."

The visitors put the Blues under pressure in the first 15 minutes winning a series of corners. From one of the them Nathan Peat blocked a header on the goal-line with his chest before clearing the ball to safety.

Trinity's first attack of note came on 17th minute when Chris Hall shot wide following excellent play between Lewis McMahon and Ryan Toulson on the right flank.

On the half-hour mark Ilkeston striker Ricketts should have done better when he got on the end of Rory Coleman's free-kick at the back post, but he sent his header wide.