Gainsborough Trinity manager Brian Little has strengthened his squad in time for the visit of high-flying Alfreton Town this afternoon.

The former Aston Villa boss has secured the services of defensive duo Darren Williams and Mark Robinson, who will add their weight to the Blues' campaign until the end of the season.

Williams (31) and Robinson (28) are both from Blue Square Premier side Gateshead, and their arrival is the result of a long-term, behind the scenes project by Little and his coaching staff.

"Both of them have experience at this level and higher and are coming to us from a league above (Blue Square Premier)," said Little.

"We have been tracking the players for a while and I am delighted to have them.

"They know some of the lads here already and seemed to mix in really well at training on Thursday night."

Robinson is a left-back who began his career at Hartlepool making 90 appearances over a six-year period. He has also played for Hereford United, Stockport County, Torquay United and York City.

Williams, who can operate anywhere across the back four and in defensive midfield, began his career at York, but made his name at Sunderland where he made more than 250 appearances between 1996 and 2004 including more than 100 appearances in the Premiership.

He went on to play for Cardiff City, Hartlepool, Bradford City and Dundee, and has represented England at under-21 and B level.

Meanwhile, Trinity have moved out of the relegation zone after defunct Farsley Celtic's record was expunged.

Trinity, who lost 4-1 away to Farsley in August and were due to play them at home on April 3, have leapfrogged Hyde and Gloucester, who had both won one game and lost one against them.

The Blues are now three points above third-bottom Gloucester and are above Hyde on goal difference, but both sides now have two games in hand on Little's side.

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