Tom Nichols is hoping to be available for selection ahead of Saturday's game, however the fixture may come too soon for Oli Hawkins.
Gillingham v Morecambe
Priestfield
Sky Bet League Two
Saturday September 16
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Lewis Walker and Oli Hawkins have returned to training this week.
The pair are highly unlikely to be involved this weekend however, as the manager opts to give his returning players as much time as possible to regain their fitness.
George Lapslie is set to feature after playing 60 minutes against Harrogate last weekend, whilst Tom Nichols will be hoping to return to the squad in some capacity. Tim Dieng remains side-lined after picking up a knee injury away at Grimsby Town.
As for Morecambe, Manager Derek Adams commented that there may be a few slight injury doubts with players picking up knocks in their previous game. The manager remained tight-lipped on naming those players, however.
Manager Comments:
Neil Harris: “I think coming into this game having won back-to-back home games gives us a real lift ahead of Morecambe this weekend.
“It’s been great for the team to have a break from the midweek games too. We’ve had a real opportunity give a few players some rest, the one’s that needed it.
“We’ve also had some time to work on a few things in training this week, we’ve trained a bit harder with a few of the lads that needed more time on the grass. We’ve been able to do a bit of work on our play in the final third.
“Morecambe are not too dissimilar to Harrogate in the way that they play.
"They’ve got some real ability and quality, a lot of energy at the attacking end of the pitch. They’ve also got a lot of experience in that team. It’ll be another tough game.”
Derek Adams: "We’re absolutely delighted because we’ve had to play a number of teams trying to get promoted.
“We’ve coped very well with that and the young players in our squad have been able to adapt very quickly.
“It’s been hard but the group has helped each other – and that’s with the wage (budget) being reduced by nearly half.
“It just tells you how well we’ve been able to do as a football club.”
Previous Meeting:
We last welcomed Morecambe to Priestfield back in August 2021, as the two sides met for an early season League One fixture. Our visitors edged the statistics on the day, the Shrimps seeing more possession, better pass accuracy and making more attempts on goal. The Gills were not without their own chances, however, ultimately dominating the statistic that matters the most.
Gillingham took control early on.
After winning a free-kick 30 yards out, Mustapha Carayol stepped up and unleashed a powerful strike to put the Gills ahead in the fourth minute.
Morecambe responded later in the first half, Cole Stockton doing well to hold off the Gillingham defence and giving himself room for an attempt on goal. His shot bouncing underneath the outstretched arms of Jamie Cumming to draw his side level on 25 minutes.
The Gills found the winner from the spot late in the second half.
In a period of possession and with the home side threatening, the referee awarded a penalty after Danny Loyd was judged to have been forced to the ground inside the area. Vadaine Oliver took the opportunity to put Gillingham ahead once again, with what would ultimately be the winner in a 2-1 win to the Gills.
Head-to-Head:
Gillingham – 5
Draw - 4
Morecambe – 1
The two sides have met on ten occasions over the course of their history.
Morecambe have not been too regular an opponent, but the Gills have a strong record against the Shrimps across all previous meetings, recording five wins to Morecambe’s one.
Morecambe’s solitary win came in the 11/12 League Two season, the Lancashire side taking all three points in a 2-1 win at the Globe Arena.
Ticket Information:
Tickets ahead of the game can be purchased via the below link. Away supporters can do so up until kick-off.
Please be aware we are a cashless venue.
https://tickets.gillinghamfootballclub.com/selection/event/date?productId=101870441343
Odds:
Gillingham Win – 4/5
Draw – 12/5
Morecambe Win – 12/3
Special Bet: Ashley Nadesan to score and Gillingham to win – 11/4
Match Officials:
Referee – Declan Bourne
Assistants – Andrew Hickman & Daniel Cook
Fourth Official – Christopher Wade
Sat Nav: ME7 2PE