Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Grimsby Town

17th April

Gillingham v Grimsby Town

Sky Bet League Two

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Saturday April 18, 2026

Kick-Off, 3pm

Team News:

Andy Smith is a major doubt, having broken his nose in the defeat at Cheltenham in midweek. Robbie McKenzie picked up a knock on Tuesday and will be assessed. Shad Ogie remains out, while Saturday will likely come too soon for Logan Dobbs.

Harvey Rodgers should be available to feature, having been substituted as a precaution in Grimsby’s midweek defeat at Chesterfield. Jason Svanthorsson played an hour in Grimsby’s Lincolnshire Senior Cup final defeat to Boston United, as he continues to build his fitness following an injury.

Christy Pym, Jayden Sweeney, Sam Lavelle, Henry Brown and Jude Soonsup-Bell all featured in the same game and will be pushing to be involved in the matchday squad on Saturday.

Manager Comments:

Gareth Ainsworth: “They are a real good team, who have got some real characters in their group. They have some real men on the pitch, and I think that those components are important to have for League Two. They are quite a physical bunch, but they run all day. They have a certain system in possession and a system out of possession.

“We have seen that, and we are having a look at that, and we are seeing what we can do to match, and hopefully, exploit that.”

David Artell: “You always know that when you come up against a Gareth Ainsworth team, they will be well coached and they will have their way of playing. There are no secrets in football. It is not like 20 years ago, when a fella in a flat cap would go and watch them to get a report.

“We all know what we are coming up against now. I am sure that Gareth and Dobbo [Richard Dobson] will know exactly what we are.”

Previous Meetings:

The two clubs have met on 43 occasions, with Grimsby leading the head-to-head with 19 wins to Gillingham’s 12. The draw has occurred 12 times.

Our first victory at the Priestfield Stadium against ‘The Mariners’ came in April 1921. The fixture proved to be the first time we hosted Saturday’s opponents and would be the last time the two clubs would meet until November 1964.

Grimsby opened the scoring after 26 minutes when Tommy Talks’ left-footed strike caught out Jack Branfield in the Gillingham goal. The visitors held their lead into half-time, but conceded a penalty immediately following the restart after a handball.

John Waugh took the spot kick, sending it into the corner of the goal. Arthur Wood scored the game’s defining goal when his strike from outside of the penalty area beat Fred Whalley in the Grimsby goal, securing a 2-1 victory for the Gills.

Tickets:

BUY TICKETS | GILLINGHAM V GRIMSBY TOWN

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 3pm.

Matchday Information:

Find all the important timings for your visit to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium by clicking this link. Our fan guide can also be downloaded.

Please be aware that timings are subject to change.

Streaming:

Domestic fans can pay for an audio pass, which are available to purchase for a one-off fee by clicking here.

Overseas fans have access to a video feed for a one-off fee with commentary from BBC Radio Kent.

Click here to buy.

Odds:

Gillingham win - 29/10

Draw - 12/5

Grimsby Town win - 17/20

Match Officials: