Gillingham welcome Grimsby to Priestfield on Saturday looking to strengthen their chances of securing a League 2 play-off spot.
The Gills welcome David Artell’s Grimsby Town this weekend. After a disappointing defeat away at AFC Wimbledon in midweek, a strong performance and three points at home becomes all the more important for Stephen Clemence’s men.
As the Sky Bet League Two campaign edges closer to its finally on the 27th of April, time is running out for teams across the division to stake their claim on a chance for promotion.
Three points at home for the men of ME7 this weekend could prove pivotal.
Gillingham v Grimsby Town
Priestfield Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
Saturday March 16
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Stephen Clemence confirmed during his pre-match press conference this week that the squad had suffered from an outbreak of a sickness bug, following the trip to Wimbledon on Tuesday evening.
Having affected six players and two staff members, we could see a raft of enforced changes to the squad come 3pm on Saturday afternoon. The Head Coach did not confirm which players had suffered with the illness.
Long-term injuries to Dom Jefferies (Thigh), Josh Andrews (Muscle Strain), and Jorge Hurtado (Knee) will continue to keep all three players out of contention this weekend.
Conor Masterson will be unavailable for selection this weekend while he serves a one match suspension, following his sending off at Plough Lane. Assuming Robbie McKenzie is fit, he is an option in defence.
As for Grimsby, they have no fresh injury or suspensions concerns. Gavin Holohan is likely to start, with former Mansfield and Stevenage forward Danny Rose also likely to feature.
Manager Comments:
Stephen Clemence: “I do believe that we’re creating a lot more chances now, and I’ve said this on a number of occasions since Christmas, which is a good thing. Now it’s the next bit, can we go and put the ball away? We’ve got to start taking more chances.
“There are eight games to go, we’re two points of the Play-Offs, the season’s NOT done. We need the fans support; I can assure you that the players will be rolling their sleeves up to have a right go this weekend."
David Artell: "We’ve got to be hard to beat while still playing good football, and we’’ll give anyone a game if we do that.”
Previous Meeting:
The Gills travelled to Blundell Park back in early September for the reverse fixture, on Matchday six of the current campaign.
Goals from Niall Maher and Gavan Holohan in the first half handed the Gills their second defeat of the season.
Head-to-Head:
Gillingham – 12
Draw – 10
Grimsby Town - 17
The visitors to Priestfield this weekend have had the best of it down the years, since the two clubs first met in the 1920/21 Old Division 3 season.
The two clubs have only met once in cup competition, during the 1971/72 League Cup campaign. Grimsby secured progression with a 1-0 at Blundell Park, following a 1-1 draw at Priestfield.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the match are still available to purchase via the official club website via the link below,
BUY TICKETS | GILLS V GRIMSBY
Tickets can also be purchased on the day, by visiting the Fan Engagement Centre located in the club shop.
Odds:
Gillingham Win – 19/20
Draw – 12/5
Grimsby Town Win – 13/5
Special Bet: Oli Hawkins to score first – 6/1
Match Officials:
Referee: James Bell
Assistants: Ian Cooper & Robert Hyde
Fourth Official: Lee Swabey
Sat Nav: ME7 2PE
