We look ahead to the weekend's FA Cup encounter
GILLINGHAM v SCUNTHORPE UNITEDFA Cup with Budweiser First Round
Saturday November 3 2012
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Kick-off 3.00pm
Team News…
As manager Martin Allen stated in his press conference this afternoon, Martin [Joe] and Allen [Charlie] will both be missing through their wrist injuries, everyone else though is fit.
Striker Adam Birchall and central defender Connor Essam have returned to the Gillingham fold following loan spells at Dartford and Luton Town respectively.
Robbie Findley has, of course, returned to Nottingham Forest having made seven appearances during his loan spell with the Gills.
Striker Leon Clarke (Charlton Athletic) and midfielder David Prutton (Sheffield Wednesday) have both been refused permission to play in the competition by their parent clubs.
Ex-Gill Andy Barcham missed the 3-0 defeat against the MK Dons last Saturday with an ankle injury however midfielder Damien Mozika (ankle) is closing in on his return following a long-term lay-off.
Iron – their season so far…
Scunthorpe, who named Brian Laws as their new manager earlier in the week succeeding Alan Knill who was dismissed on Monday, are currently 22nd in the League One table having picked up 10 points (two wins and four draws) from their 15 games.
On their travels the Iron have won once, 1-0 at Shrewsbury Town, and drawn two of their seven games, these were at Oldham Athletic and Swindon Town.
In their other cup competitions, Scunthorpe reached the Second Round of the Capital One Cup. Having beaten Derby County 7-6 on penalties following an incredible 5-5 draw after extra-time they succumbed 2-1 at Premier League Norwich City.
They were beaten 2-1 at home by Notts County in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Section First Round.
Leading goalscorers…
On-loan Charlton striker Leon Clarke currently leads Scunthorpe’s scoring chart with seven goals but as stated above he has been refused permission to play.
Former Notts County forward Karl Hawley, who played under Martin Allen at Meadow Lane, has netted three while the only other players who have scored this season for the Iron are Mike Grella and Mark Duffy who have two goals apiece while Andy Barcham and Connor Jennings have one to their name.
Previous meetings…
The two sides have played each other 34 times previously – all of these have been league encounters, with the first being a goalless draw here in August 1964.
It was in the Coca Cola League One season of 2006-07 that the two sides last met.
On September 1 the Iron won 2-0 here at Priestfield thanks to goals from Richard Hinds and Matt Sparrow.
Five months later Scunthorpe completed the ‘double’ with a 3-1 victory at Glanford Park, Hinds put the home side ahead but Matty Jarvis equalised in the 54th minute.
Unfortunately on-loan defender Ben Chorley then saw red and United capitalised with further goals from Dave Mulligan and Ian Morris
Officials…
Referee – Andy Woolmer
Assistant referee’s – Christopher O'Donnell & Wade Norcott
Fourth Official – Oleksandr Saliy