Accrington Stanley v Gillingham
Sky Bet League Two
The Wham Stadium
Saturday August 2, 2025
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Having pulled up due to a hamstring issue at Dartford, it is believed that the injury is not as bad as first feared for Seb Palmer-Houlden. The forward has an outside chance of being fit for the matchday squad on the opening day.
Sam Vokes (arm) and Aaron Rowe have both returned to the training pitch this week. However, Saturday likely comes too soon for the pair. Euan Williams has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.
Accrington Stanley will be closely monitoring Conor Grant, who went off after ten minutes in the pre-season friendly against Rotherham United last Saturday. John Doolan also mentioned that other members of his first team squad are carrying knocks, heading into the season opener.
Manager Comments:
John Doolan - "Gareth is so knowledgeable - he sets his team up right, they are hardworking, they are fully committed, they have some good players, and we know what we are going to get."
Gareth Ainsworth - “I know exactly what we’re going to do on Saturday. It’s nice for the Thursday before the season to go into that. We have juggled the shape and have juggled the players, and I know what I am going to do. This game doesn’t define your season.”
Previous Meetings:
Our last visit to Accrington came in March earlier this year. John Coleman, who was in charge of the Football Club at the time, returned to his former team for the first time after departing Accrington the previous summer.
A goal in stoppage time in either half proved to be the story of the game. The hosts took the lead deep into first half stoppage time when Benn Ward met Ben Woods’ free-kick, scoring from six yards out.
Gillingham equalised deep into second half stoppage time through Max Clark. Armani Little laid the ball off to Clark inside the penalty area before the left-back thumped his shot into the roof of the net.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElYVScypKYY&t=107s
Saturday’s meeting will be the 23rd between the two teams. Gills lead the head-to-head with 11 wins to Accrington Stanley’s six. The result has also seen five draws.
Tickets:
We have been allocated 560 tickets for our visit to the Wham Stadium, with the Gillingham supporters being situated in the iMEP Stand.
Tickets will be available on the day of the game at the same price, which are sold from the away ticket booth at the entrance to the car park. Collections will also be at this point. For ticket prices, coach travel and more information, click here.
Streaming:
The fixture will be available to stream via Sky Sports+, however if you are not a subscriber then the best way to follow the action is by purchasing an audio match pass here.
Overseas fans have access to a video feed for a one-off fee of £10. Click here to buy.
Odds:
Accrington Stanley win - 7/4
Draw - 11/5
Gillingham win - 6/4
Special Bet: Robbie McKenzie to score first and Gillingham to win 2-0 - 82/1
Match Officials:
Referee: Mr Ollie Yates
Assistants: Mr Matthew Jones and Mr Kevin Mulraine
Fourth Official: Mr Oliver Nolan
