Gills welcome Crewe to Priestfield in a huge fixture on Good Friday.
Gillingham welcome play-off rivals Crewe Alexandra to Priestfield this Friday, as both teams look to push for their place amongst this season’s top seven sides.
As the finish line of this season’s Sky Bet League Two campaign slowly creeps over the horizon, time is running out for those with ambitions of promotion to secure their place amongst the Play-Off contenders come May.
In what will likely be a bumper crowd at Priestfield, the Gills will need to take advantage of the home support and put in a strong performance versus the Railwaymen.
Gillingham v Crewe Alexandra
Priestfield Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
Friday 29th March
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Having made his first Gills appearance away to Morecambe last weekend, Josh Andrews could potentially make his Priestfield debut this Friday. Head Coach Stephen Clemence stated during his pre-match press conference that Josh was not quite yet fit enough to start but would be involved with the squad.
Long-term injuries to Dom Jefferies (Thigh) and Jorge Hurtado (Knee) mean that both will continue to be unavailable this weekend. Dom Jefferies is expected to return in early April.
Jonny Williams was due to have a fitness test on Thursday to assess his availability.
As for Crewe, Christopher Long will be available to the visitors this Friday, having played 45 minutes during Crewe’s previous match with AFC Wimbledon. The striker has been side-lined since February with a thigh injury.
Courtney Baker-Richardson (Shoulder), Matus Holicek (Ankle) and Joel Tabiner (Thigh) are edging closer to making their returns after recovering from their respective injuries. The visit to Priestfield will likely come too soon for them, however.
Jack Powell (Knee), Luke Offord (Ankle) and Owen Lunt (Back) will not be available to Lee Bell this weekend.
Manager Comments:
Stephen Clemence: “I thought the togetherness of the group (at Morecambe) was absolutely fantastic. Coming from behind twice in the game, to score three goals away from home, it was really, really good.
“To get anywhere in this league, you must put back-to-back results together. That’s the aim going into the Crewe game.
"The lads are up for it, and I’ve seen that in training this week, we’re really looking forward to the game.
“I’ve seen a lot of Crewe this season, they’ve made a few changes since January, but they’ve always produced good players too. My focus is on how we beat them, and I believe we’ve got the players here to do that.
“Easter weekend will sort out the runners from the riders, two games in quick succession. If we’re in there after these two games, then I imagine we’ll be in there come the end of the season.”
Lee Bell: “They play a really good brand of football.
"Stephen has gone in there and turned it around, in terms of how they look and how they play.
“They have the two big fellas up front, who they can go to if they need too. The stats suggest that their all-round play has improved though, and you can see that. They’re a high energy team with good rotation throughout.
“From Stephen's perspective, I’m sure he’s pleased in terms of what his team now looks like. They’re a real threat.”
Previous Meeting:
Gillingham travelled to the Mornflake Stadium back in October 2023 for the reverse fixture of the current campaign, in what turned out to be the last match of previous manager, Neil Harris’ tenure at the club.
The Gills had the better of the statistics that night, seeing slightly more of the ball than our hosts and having more attempts on goal. It was Crewe, however, that made their possession count.
Goals from Connor O’Riordan and Joe White in the 30th and 85th minute respectively, saw the hosts pick up a 2-0 win at home on the night.
Head-to-Head:
Gillingham – 23
Draw – 9
Crewe Alexandra – 24
An FA Cup tie during the 1935/36 season saw the Gills meet Crewe for the first time in their respective histories. Crewe emerged victorious that day with the two clubs not meeting in cup competition since.
Twenty three league wins a piece sees the clubs come into this Good Friday fixture with a level record when facing each other.
Ticket Information:
Tickets can still be purchased via the website by visiting the link below.
BUY TICKETS | GILLS V CREWE
Tickets will also be available to purchase on the day. Please visit the Fan Engagement Centre located in the club shop.
Odds:
Gillingham Win – 19/20
Draw – 12/5
Crewe Alexandra Win – 13/5
Special Bet: Conor Masterson to score and Gillingham to win 1-0 – 85/1.
Match Officials:
Referee: Tom Reeves
Assistants: Hugh Gilroy & Gary Maskell
Fourth Official: James Vallance
Sat Nav: ME7 2PE
