We look ahead to Tuesday's cup encounter...
CRAWLEY TOWN V GILLINGHAM
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Broadfield Stadium
Tuesday September 4
Kick-Off, 7.45pm
Team News:
Gills Manager Martin Allen has no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of the trip to Crawley in the first round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Martin told the club’s official website on Monday that he would make changes for the journey, but also said he will field a strong side as he looks to cause an upset against a side one division above.
Joe Martin suffered a slight head injury towards the end of the game against Chesterfield on Saturday but should be fit to start if required.
Tommy Forecast will make his competitive debut in goal for the club with Adam Birchall pushing for a starting place after making an appearance from the bench at the weekend.
As for Crawley they will be without defender Claude Davis who suffered a hip injury during the club’s 1-0 win over Leyton Orient and will be out of action for a little while to come.
Manager Richie Barker, like Martin Allen, is likely to make a few changes for the game with Mike Jones available to make his full debut after signing from Sheffield Wednesday.
Sergio Torres will be assessed prior to kick-off with Jonathan Forte, Mark Connolly and Michael Kuipers all pushing for starting positions.
Martin says:
The manager stated in his post-match press conference on Saturday that the league was a more pressing concern for him, but despite that he says he will field a strong 11, many of whom have already played in winning teams.
He said: “There will be changes – we knew about having eight games in 25 days so they come thick and fast. In time there will be a more settled 11 but everyone is now vying for the shirt.
“The ten month competition in the league is the most important thing – we go away to Barnet next Saturday and with no disrespect to the JPT we will put a good team out, but I have a good squad and everybody in it has played anyway.”
Current Form (first five games of the season):
Crawley: WLWWW (nine points)
Gills: WWWLD (10 points)
We’ve met before…..
The last time the two sides met was at MEMS Priestfield in March earlier this year when the Red Devils ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Dannie Bulman’s strike early in the second half.
The two teams have only ever met three times in competitive action – the Gills have won two of these games and Crawley have one victory to their name.
Kit:
Crawley will wear their home kit of red shirts, white socks and red socks.
Gillingham will wear their all black away strip with the goalkeeper wearing an Orange jersey.
Officials:
Referee: Stephen Bratt
Assistants: Ian Cooper & Rob Hyde
Fourth Official: Jake Hillier
To follow the game minute-by-minute, live from Broadfield Stadium, on out cover it live service, click the link below from 7.15pm