Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Newport County

2nd October

Gillingham v Newport County

Sky Bet League Two

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Saturday October 3, 2026

Kick-Off, 3pm

Team News:

Tom Eaves could make his second Gillingham debut this Saturday, having signed for the Football Club earlier this week. Will Goodwin will be unavailable for selection, having come off in the defeat at York City. As will Eli King, who continues to have scans on his knee, having come off during the first-half at York.

Zane Albarus will miss the Newport fixture as he serves his one-game suspension for his red card for two bookable offences last time out.

Former Gill Jake Turner will likely miss Saturday’s fixture due to a shoulder issue. Hayden Mullins confirmed that there are no new injury concerns off the back of Newport’s victory against Grimsby Town.

Manager Comments:

Gareth Ainsworth: “The boys have to step up, and the boys have to run through brick walls for me. Be intense, win their duels, play the system that we want to play, but also add themselves to the game. Their personalities, and that's what I want from them. I am sure that they will; I really am.”

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

Hayden Mullins: “Saturday is one which we can attack the game, knowing that we are off the back of a decent run. There will be no easy game. It will be a tough game; we know what they are like at home. They beat Bristol Rovers 3-0, and they beat Tranmere 2-0, so they are a tough side at home.

“They pose multiple threats. It will be a tough game, but for us, we will be looking to attack it with our threats as well.”

Previous Meetings:

Saturday’s fixture will be the 92nd meeting in all competitions between the two clubs, with Newport leading the head-to-head with 42 wins to Gillingham’s 30. The fixture has also seen 19 draws.

The two teams last met in January this year, with the Gills coming out on top of a five-goal thriller and completing a league double over ‘The Exiles’.

Newport took an early lead through Michael Spellman, but Conor Masterson equalised on the half-hour when he outmuscled his marker to head in Max Clark’s high-looping cross from six yards out.

Cameron Antwi, who was with Newport at the time, restored the visitors' lead with six minutes remaining. He did well to turn his marker before stroking his shot into the bottom left corner.

However, there was still time for late heroics, inspired by Garath McCleary. The forward won a penalty for the Gills at the beginning of stoppage time when he was tripped by a defender, and Armani Little showed great composure to send Jordan Wright the wrong way and thump his spot kick into the back of the net.

McCleary scored the winning goal in the ninth minute of additional time. Clark delivered another high-looping cross towards the back post, which McCleary did well to angle a header goalward, with the ball hitting the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKIOcioVx9M

Tickets:

BUY TICKETS | GILLINGHAM V NEWPORT COUNTY

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 can stream the game via Sky Sports+, or pay for an audio pass, which are available to purchase for a one-off fee of 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 - Evens

Draw - 23/10

Newport County win - 12/5

Match Officials: