Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Crewe Alexandra

22nd August

Gillingham v Crewe Alexandra

Sky Bet League Two

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Saturday August 23, 2025

Kick-Off, 3pm

Team News:

Max Clark is available after missing the 4-1 win against Chesterfield through suspension. Sam Vokes and Aaron Rowe came off the bench during the win and should be involved in the matchday squad. Euan Williams remains out.

Conor Masterson will miss the game and is expected to be out longer term. Shad Ogie has returned to the training pitch, but Saturday will come too soon for the defender. The fixture against Crewe could be too soon for Seb Palmer-Houlden aswell, but there is hope he will be ready in the near future.

Crewe Assistant Manager, Ryan Dicker, confirmed that Matus Holicek will not be ready for the visit to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Saturday, as he continues his recovery from minor groin surgery. Jack Lankester is out for the fixture, as is Shilow Tracey, who is a couple of weeks away from fitness. Louis Moult will be available for selection for Crewe on Saturday.

Manager Comments:

Gareth Ainsworth: “We’re going to work hard and get down to earth. We take on a very tough Crewe side on Saturday, because they have a 100% record in this league. I’m looking forward to that.”

Ryan Dicker (Assistant Manager): “It’s going to be a tough game. It’s always tough going away to Gillingham. Off the back of their 4-1 win on Tuesday night against Chesterfield, who I think arguably are the team to beat this year. We are going to be in for a tough test, but again, as in every game, our focus will be on us and what we can do, and how we can affect them. We know that we will be in for a difficult game if we don’t turn up and perform. “

Previous Meetings:

Crewe travelled to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium in January 2021 in a fixture played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 restrictions. A clinical first half from the hosts ensured a convincing win for Steve Evans’ side. Jordan Graham opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 11 minutes, before Olly Lee made it two after 38. Graham sent a low cross into the box, which Lee did brilliantly to put through a defender’s legs before finding the back of the net.

Kyle Dempsey made it three on the stroke of half-time. Gills took advantage of a wayward pass on the edge of the Crewe penalty area, which Vadaine Oliver played into the path of Lee. He smartly flicked it into Dempsey’s path, who battled his way into the box before stroking the ball into the bottom corner. Lee added his second and Gillingham’s fourth just after the hour, putting the game out of sight for their visitors.

The Alex pulled a consolation goal back in the 80th minute through Chris Porter when he headed home from close range. However, Gills saw out the game, winning 4-1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaF2F-zv0OU

Crewe lead the head-to-head with 25 wins to Gillingham’s 23. The fixture has also seen 11 draws.

Tickets:

Home supporters can buy tickets online, or in person, up until kick-off. Our ticketing desk will be open from 9am on the day of the fixture. Away fans can also purchase online via their dedicated away portal until kick-off.