Walsall v Gillingham
Sky Bet League Two
Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium
Friday April 3, 2026
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Conor Masterson could be available for Good Friday’s game, but will have to be assessed until the final moments. Cameron Antwi remains out due to injury. Robbie McKenzie is nearing a return following his injury, but the Easter weekend could come too soon for him.
Shad Ogie remains out, Jonny Williams is a doubt, and Omar Beckles will be assessed late on. Armani Little serves the second of his two-match suspension.
Walsall club captain Jamille Matt is pushing to be in contention, having missed the last four games due to a knee injury. Daniel Kanu is available for selection after returning from international duty, where he represented Sierra Leone. Aaron Loupalo-Bi is back in contention after a minor leg issue.
Manager Comments:
Darren Byfield: “Their form hasn’t been what they wanted, or expected I suppose and they want to be higher up in the league table and at some point they’ve got to win games because they’ve got a good squad, good players and a good manager.
"Our job is to make sure that doesn’t start on Friday. It’s our jobs to make sure we’re on our front foot. It’s our jobs to make sure we’re there to go and win the game. We’re there to win the game. We want the fans to feel the energy coming from us, so that it’s reciprocated. They’ll see a team that’s going out there to fight, score some goals and get that ball in the box.”
Gareth Ainsworth: “Listen, it’s 11 against 11. Let’s get out there, boys, let’s lift our games, and let’s lift your standards. Let’s get right up there, train right, play right and prepare right, because anyone can beat anyone on their day. No matter what team I put out, I believe that they can win that game.”
Previous Meetings:
Good Friday’s meeting will be the 125th fixture between the two clubs. Gillingham and Walsall have both won on 48 occasions, and have shared the points 28 times.
Our last visit to the Bescot Stadium ended all square in a game best remembered for Robbie McKenzie’s stunning strike.
After a goalless first-half, it took Walsall four minutes to open the scoring after half-time. Connor Barrett made his way into the Gillingham penalty area before cutting inside onto his left foot and shooting. Jamille Matt made the final contact with the ball, guiding it into the back of the net.
In the 68th minute, McKenzie scored the goal that won the Football Club’s ‘Goal of the Season’ award for the 2024/25 season. He received the ball around 25 yards from the goal and was to the left of the centre. McKenzie was given the space to move into before unleashing a thunderbolt towards the target.
It flew beyond a helpless Tommy Simkin before the ball crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net, causing pandemonium amongst the away supporters.
Armani Little nearly found a late winner, but his low drive that took a deflection on its way towards the goal was cleared off the line, as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JuQt-ilnBo
Tickets:
Tickets went off sale on Thursday afternoon but will be available to buy at the Bescot Stadium on the day of the fixture. There will be a £2 increase.
Gillingham supporters will be situated in the Experienced Energy Solutions Stand and the Away Stand, sponsored by B.A.T. We have been allocated 1135 tickets for the fixture.
For ticket prices, coach travel information and more, click here.
Streaming:
The fixture will be available to watch on Sky Sports+ for domestic supporters. Fans can also 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 with commentary from BBC Radio Kent, which is available to purchase for a one-off fee.
Click here to buy.
Odds:
Walsall win - 4/6
Draw- 5/2
Gillingham win - 4/1
Match Officials:
Referee: William Davis
Assistants: Grant Taylor & Thomas Harty
Fourth Official: Harley Hetherington
Other information:
Please be aware that there is a "away fans bar" at the ground which opens 90 minutes before kick-off.
The Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium is a 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲.
