Lewis McMahon admitted Gainsborough Trinity were "below par" as they scraped through to the semi-finals of the Lincolnshire Senior Shield on Saturday.

Brian Little's side were held to a goal-less draw by Evo-Stik Division One (South) team Brigg Town before triumphing on penalties at the Northolme.

The result has set up a mouth-watering semi-final tie with Trinity's Blue Square Bet North rivals Boston United at the Northolme on August 7.

"We weren't at the races on Saturday," said McMahon, who played on the right wing.

"We wanted to go out and do what Leeds did to us on Thursday night (3-0 defeat). We wanted to keep possession and pass the ball around.

"But it didn't work out like that. It was a hot day, with a sticky pitch, but for whatever reason we were below par.

"Brigg played well but we weren't up to scratch.

"However, we are still in pre-season, we're a new side and the gaffer is just trying things out at the moment.

"We haven't worked much on team shape in training yet, we've been mostly doing fitness work. That is something I expect we will be working hard on over the next few weeks."

A frustrating first half saw little goal-mouth action, although Trinity striker Jefferson Louis went close with a couple of shots from distance.

In the second half Brigg came closest to winning the game with Sam West hitting the outside of the post.

The visitors also had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside.

After 90 minutes the match went straight to penalties, and Trinity won through when Brigg's Tommy Spall hit the crossbar in sudden death.

"We were lucky, as they'd hit the post and had a goal disallowed," said McMahon.

"But we're glad to get through. The Boston game will be great for the fans and for the chairman, as it should bring in a bit of extra revenue."