Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls and a very warm welcome back to krbs Priestfield for today's League One match with Huddersfield. This afternoon's fixture is one of a series of games taking part throughout the country over the coming week to raise awareness and funds for the Football League's Official Charity Partner, Help for Heroes. We have the great pleasure of entertaining over 350 members of the Armed Forces at Priestfield today and I'm sure you will all join me in giving them a warm reception at the club. We, in the football world, can often be guilty of taking our sport too seriously, but it is essential that we never forget the huge demands expected and the sacrifices made by our brave Armed Forces around the globe.
Our last home outing against Leyton Orient proved to be a disappointing one.Not, I hasten to add, because of the team's performance, which was whole-hearted and full of attacking intent, but simply due to the fact that we dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the game without ultimately collecting the rewards our efforts deserved. Having taken an early lead, we had more than enough chances to put the game beyond the visitor's reach, but failed to get the rub of the green or that stroke of luck that would have killed off the contest. Most importantly, that point brought our tally to four points, from four days, in consecutive home fixtures, those points could be vitally important come the end of the campaign.
Another major positive from the Orient match, was the reappearance of Chris Dickson's name on the score-sheet. I'm sure Chris will have been deeply touched by the strength of affection shown by our supporters since his return to the club and I am confident he will have a major part to play in our fortunes over the coming weeks. Also notable, is the fact that Chris' goal was a moment of opportunism brought about by Simeon Jackson's parried shot. If we can keep these two in form and building their understanding as a partnership, then we will soon see the rewards on the pitch.
Sadly, our point against Orient was bought at a price with the later news that our Captain, Barry Fuller, will be sidelined for at least four to six weeks after sustaining a broken arm late in the first-half. A tenacious defender, Barry will be a significant loss to the side in the next month, but if his bout with pneumonia last season has taught us anything, our skipper will be back, probably sooner than expected and fired up for the fight ahead. Despite the injury, I've no doubt that Fuller will continue to be a presence in the dressing room on matchdays, with his passion for the club and desire to succeed perhaps we should get him a season ticket for the Rainham End for the next month.
Finally a word of congratulations for our on loan centre-half Darren Dennehy, who was selected in the Republic of Ireland Under-21's starting XI for the midweek UEFA Championship Qualifier with Armenia. Darren has been an excellent addition to the side since arriving from Cardiff City in January, bringing strength and composure to our back four. I'm sure you will show your appreciation when he deservedly receives the KM Player of the Month Award before kick-off this afternoon.
Today's match is the first of just six remaining home games this season and it is imperative that we make every one of those matches count. So get behind the boys and get Priestfield rocking.
Up The Gills
Paul D.P.Scally
Chairman
