We look ahead to tonight's league fixture
GILLINGHAM V NOTTS COUNTYSky Bet League One
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Tuesday October 22
Kick-Off, 745pm
Team News:
Gills Interim boss Peter Taylor has a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the visit of Notts County.
Michael Harriman played the full 90 minutes on Saturday against Preston, and Myles Weston came off the bench after an hour to get some game time having suffered with illness during the latter part of last week.
Callum Davies could return to the starting line-up in place of Leon Legge, who was given the nod for Saturday’s game due to the physical presence of Kevin Davies.
As for the Magpies they could welcome Jamal Campbell-Ryce back in to the starting line-up. The midfielder was an unused substitute during the club’s 2-0 defeat to Swindon on Friday night, but could be recalled if his fitness allows.
Joss Labadie will miss the game through suspension, while Dean Leacock remains a doubt after suffering with illness. Jack Grealish could miss out with an ankle problem, while Enoch Showunmi and Haydn Hollis are not yet fit.
Manager Comments:
Despite Notts County being second bottom of the table, Peter Taylor is by no means taking the opposition lightly and says his side need to make a strong start.
He said: “If you look at the league table you would say Preston are doing better than Notts County, but at any level there are tough league matches.
“Crewe last week beat Preston at Preston and that’s what happens in this league and it depends on how the game goes – if you get an early break it puts the opposition under pressure and there’s a fair chance you can hold on.
“We need to start well and a bit better than we did today. Hopefully we can get a break, get a goal and that would lift everybody.”
County Manager Chris Kiwomya said: “We need to be more resilient, we have been playing really well apart from the game against Swindon where I didn’t feel we did enough around their box.
“We are playing good Football but we just need to get an end product and take our chances.
“It’s a big game because its two teams who are down at the bottom – we want to keep playing the way we are and be on the front foot."
Notts County – the season so far
The Magpies didn’t start the league season particularly well, taking just one point from their opening seven fixtures- that coming in a 1-1 draw at Walsall last month.
However they have won two of their last four games in the league and are looking to steer themselves clear of the relegation zone.
Their last outing was a 2-0 defeat to Swindon on Friday evening, but the cup competitions seem to have produced more encouraging performances with a 3-2 win over Fleetwood in the first round of the Capital One Cup setting up a second round tie against Liverpool at Anfield.
County went two goals down before producing a tremendous fightback to level the game at 2-2 and force extra time.
Liverpool eventually prevailed 4-2, but the League One side certainly didn’t do themselves any harm and repeated the feat by beating Wolves in the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, defeating Kenny Jackett’s side on penalties to advance to the Quarter Final stages where they will play Oldham.
The Gaffer – Chris Kiwomya
The former Arsenal forward took over as full time Manager on a three-year contract in the summer, having had a successful spell at the back end of last season as Caretaker.
Prior to his appointment he was the development Manager at Meadow Lane, having left a similar position at Ipswich Town in 2011.
Chris began his playing career at Ipswich in 1987, spending eight years at Portman Road before signing for Arsenal in 1995 where he had limited first team opportunities – Kiwomya featuring just 14 times for the Gunners in the league during his three year stay.
Loan spells abroad were followed with a stint at QPR, before retiring from the game in 2002.
Star Man – Danny Haynes
The striker only has two goals to his name so far during the campaign but his pace will cause any defence a lot of problems and, having played most of his career at Championship level, he certainly has natural ability.
He joined the club during the summer having been released by Charlton, having enjoyed stints at Ipswich and Bristol City prior to moving to the Valley.
One to Watch – Jamal Campbell Ryce
Despite the fact the 30-year-old has missed the last couple of games, his creativity and quick movement could be what Notts County need at the moment to kick start their season.
He didn’t manage to get on against Swindon on Friday night, but if fit, could well give Notts a spark in midfield, even if it means making an impact from the subs bench.
The Jamaican International joined the club last summer following spells at Barnsley and Bristol City.
Previous Meetings:
The clubs last clashed in March 2009 when the Gills recorded an impressive 1-0 win at Meadow Lane thanks to a 58th minute strike from Simeon Jackson.
The Gills lead the way in the head to head statistics with 13 victories from 27 games. County have just eight wins to their name with the resulting games ending in a draw.
Current Form (last six games in all competitions):
Gills: LLWWLL (6 points)
Notts County: LWLWDL (6 points)
Odds:
Gills 1-0 Win – 8/1
Gills 2-0 Win – 11/1
Gills 2-1 Win – 8/1
Draw 0-0 – 12/1
Draw 1-1 – 11/2
For other markets, and to join the Sky Bet `free bet club` go to www.skybet.com/gillingham.
Officials:
Referee: David Phillips
Assistants: Adam Crysell & Wade Norcott
Fourth Official: Thomas Ramsey