Dec Howe: Gainsborough Trinity forward embracing big-game mentality as cup run continues

Gainsborough Trinity, however, have done both this season.

The Holy Blues were the only team from the Northern Premier League ranks to reach the second round proper of the FA Cup, beating two teams in divisions above before falling to Football League opposition in Harrogate Town.

They continued to cement their status as this season’s giant killers, progressing through to the Round of 16 in this season’s FA Trophy after shocking National League leaders York City in the fourth round.

Dec Howe scored the only goal of that game, one which he has described as “one of the top goals” of his season to date. 

The prolific forward, who has already scored 23 goals in all competitions, told the NPL: “York are such a great team. With their squad, budget and management there, it definitely is a big goal for my career.”

Last weekend’s victory over the National League powerhouses was their fourth in the competition already this season. 

Their run has already yielded wins against Kettering Town, who also made the second round of the FA Cup, and National League North outfit Rushall Olympic.

By now, Trinity are used to being underdogs in the cup - a mentality which Howe believes his team are relishing.

“Lots of us are confident going against better teams and better players, and we know we’re capable of getting a result,” Howe said. 

“When we take games to half-time at 0-0, the spirit in the camp goes up and we get that belief that we can nick a winner.”

Howe’s strike just past the hour mark was all that separated the two sides, as Gainsborough triumphed over the highest-ranked side in the competition - 63 places separating the teams in the football pyramid.

Their reward for last round’s cupset is the prospect of another one, as fellow National League side Woking visit the Northolme in the Round of 16.

Woking comfortably defeated last season’s NPL champions Radcliffe in the last round. 

And while Howe knows his side are high in confidence, he accepts that the three-time FA Trophy winners must be respected.

“They may be more direct [than York], but they will still be a good side,” he added.

“We’ve got to stick to our game and have the belief that we are capable of getting something out of it.

“It’s always nice to get a home tie. It’s a chance to get the fans behind you and play on a pitch you’re used to playing on.

“With the performances we’re giving too, the fans are enjoying it and they’re feeling optimistic. Hopefully we can get a lot of fans down and get an early advantage off the pitch too.”