Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Grimsby Town

23rd October

Gillingham v Grimsby Town

Sky Bet League Two

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Saturday October 24, 2026

Kick-Off, 3pm

Team News:

Lamin Sillah is a doubt for Saturday’s fixture due to the hand injury he suffered at Accrington Stanley. Robbie McKenzie should be back in contention after his partner gave birth ahead of Tuesday’s draw with Port Vale. Bradley Dack, who missed the game as a precaution, is likely to be involved in some capacity.

Grimsby’s Joe Foulkes could retain his place in the starting XI after impressing in his first start against Rochdale, a game in which Saturday’s visitors also changed formations to a back three.

Doug Tharme will remain out, as he is set to visit a specialist. Tom Culshaw confirmed that other injured members of Grimsby’s squad are continuing to work with their fitness and rehabilitation staff as they work towards returning to match action.

Manager Comments:

Gareth Ainsworth: “You are talking about a side that are consistently around the top seven. We have to beat these teams if we want to be a decent team, especially at Priestfield, which I am trying to make into a fortress.”

Gareth’s exclusive with Gills TV can be seen here.

Tom Culshaw (Assistant Head Coach): “If we win this game at the weekend, it takes us straight back up to the top end of the league. As you can see, the league is quite tight, so if you get a win or two wins on the bounce, you’re straight back up there, involved in the top end.

“And that’s where we want to be.”

Previous Meetings:

The two clubs have met 44 times, with Grimsby leading the head-to-head with 20 victories. Gillingham have won on 12 occasions, with the fixture ending in a stalemate 12 times.

Gills first hosted Grimsby in April 1921, winning the fixture 2-1. ‘The Mariners’ took the lead after 26 minutes through Tommy Talks. Dai Collier’s centre was eventually played to Talks, who sent a powerful left-footed drive into the back of the net.

The hosts turned the game around in the second half, and in the opening seconds were awarded a penalty for a handball, which John Waugh dispatched. Arthur Wood soon completed the comeback when his shot from just outside the penalty area beat Harry Moody in the visiting goal.

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 portals 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 have access to an audio feed 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 - 21/10

Draw - 14/5

Grimsby Town - 21/20

Match Officials: